As the holiday season approaches, so does the time of year when festive indulgences can lead to a condition known as holiday heart syndrome, where heavy eating and drinking can leave your heart racing. While heart palpitations can be alarming, a Georgia-based heart surgeon offers reassurance that they are “very rarely dangerous or life-threatening.” according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Normally the palpitations are brought on by emotional stress, caffeine, alcohol, or even a lack of sleep, and most of the time, they don’t last for long periods,” Dr. Jeremy London explained in a TikTok post.
Heart palpitations are typically described as a rapid fluttering, flip-flopping, or pounding sensation in the chest. You might feel as if your heart skipped a beat or is beating irregularly. According to Dr. London, these sensations can be startling but are usually harmless.
Women are more likely to experience heart palpitations, primarily due to hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. The condition is so common during the holiday season, particularly between Thanksgiving and Christmas, that it has earned the name “holiday heart syndrome.” This is when the combination of stress, alcohol, and overeating at social events can provoke episodes of palpitations.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, heart palpitations can also result from strenuous exercise, stress, depression, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, or even certain medications. Other factors include an overactive thyroid, low blood pressure, or heart disease. However, it’s difficult to gauge how prevalent palpitations are since many people do not seek medical attention when they experience these sensations. A study estimated that 16% of patients reported palpitations to their doctor.
Although heart palpitations are usually nothing to worry about, Dr. London advises seeing a doctor if they don’t go away on their own or if they become more frequent. Symptoms like lightheadedness, fainting, or chest pain that radiates to your jaw, arm, or back should prompt immediate medical attention, as they may signal a more serious issue. report from Yahoo.
For individuals with frequent palpitations and a history of heart disease, heart-monitoring tests may be necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic. In rare cases, palpitations may indicate a more severe problem, such as an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). In such instances, treatment might involve medication or even a defibrillator to help regulate and stop irregular heartbeats.
For most people, however, heart palpitations will resolve on their own. Simple lifestyle changes like managing stress, avoiding triggers such as alcohol, and steering clear of spicy foods can help prevent episodes.
