Patient Education	Print Format

A B C D F G H I K L M N O P S U W All Documents

Holiday Heart

As you hop from one holiday party to the next, it's easy to overindulge in food and drink. However, revelers may want to think twice before going overboard with alcohol. Researchers at UC San Diego found that healthy folks who binge drink may be putting their hearts in danger. According to researchers, alcohol causes cardiac toxicity that can result in heart palpitations, light-headedness and difficulty with breathing, a condition they dubbed "holiday heart."

While holiday heart can be an unsettling experience, the effects usually go away within 24 hours. If the symptoms don't subside, patients should seek treatment at an emergency room. Doctors then may prescribe medication to slow the heart down until it returns to a normal rhythm.

As the holidays approach, be sure to exercise moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption. Here are a few suggestions to keep the heart healthy and avoid problems during the holidays.

• Don't overindulge. Avoid recklessly indulging in holiday treats. It may be tough, but watch what you eat. Take it easy on salt and saturated fats (found in animal fat and processed foods) since they can lead to high blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

• Get moving. Be sure to get plenty of exercise. Shoot for at least 30 minutes on most days. This will help you control your weight and reduce stress. Also, carrying around excess weight can be a burden on your heart and will increase your risk of heart disease.

• Take a breather. From the last minute shopping to the mounting credit card bills, the holidays can bring on a lot of stress. Make sure to find time to relax to lessen the added stress, which tends to strain the heart.

• Heart Care
• Heart Healthy Tips
• Behavior Modification Ideas for Weight Management
• Top 10 Foods for Health

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.