HOLIDAY HEART SYNDROME

Holiday heart syndrome commonly occurs during the holidays, when many parties are held with lots of drinking and eating. Heart arrhythmia, most frequently atrial fibrillation, occurs during the holidays when more food and drink is available. Healthy persons will also get this syndrome if they don’t have control.

SYMPTOMS

Holiday heart syndrome will be noticed after the person experiences different signs and symptoms. If you have these signs and symptoms, immediately seek doctor’s advice to avoid serious health complications.

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Fluttering and fast heartbeat
  • Heart palpitations
  • Light headedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skipped heartbeat
  • Weakness

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose holiday heart syndrome, your doctor will do a physical examination to know heart function.

One or more tests will be requested by your doctor to diagnose atrial fibrillation. Tests includes:

Physical exam. Your doctor will check your blood pressure,lungs and pulse

Electrocardiogram (EKG). This will record the electrical impulses of your heart for a few seconds.

Other tests will also be done if atrial fibrillation doesn’t appear during the EKG.

These tests includes the following:

Blood test. To check your thyroid and metabolic conditions.

Chest X-ray. To allow your doctor see your heart and lungs.

Echocardiogram (ECG). It uses sound waves to produce a moving image of your heart.

Event monitor. This device records your heart at certain times or when you’re having symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

Holter monitor. Doctors will let you wear this device for 24 to 48 hours to monitor your heart.

Stress test. It can monitor your heart during exercise.

Transesophageal echocardiogram. A probe is placed into your esophagus. More invasive than the ECG.

TREATMENT

A healthy lifestyle is often suggested to prevent atrial fibrillation.

These lifestyle changes include:

  • Stopping smoking or avoiding second hand smoke
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet
  • Physical activity is needed at least 30 minutes a day
  • Limiting caffeine
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing stress or avoid stress triggers
  • If possible,using over the counter medications with caution

Medications to treat atrial fibrillation include:

  • Beta-blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Sodium or potassium channel blockers
  • Blood thinners
  • Digitalis glycosides

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