When we think about the "havoc" that holidays do to our body, our mind immediately goes to weight! Overdoing sweets, food, alcohol during the holidays does not necessarily translate into just a few extra pounds. We all have something else to worry about, what cardiologists call "vacation heart syndrome."
But what exactly is it? A Cleveland Clinic cardiologist breaks down the details you need to know.
When people have abnormal heart rhythms, including what is known as atrial fibrillation, you may suffer from this syndrome. Alcohol is one of the factors that directly affects heart health. Irregular heartbeats, dizziness, are just some of the symptoms.
"Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a faster and more uncontrolled heart rate. If this condition is left untreated for a long time, you can end up with a stroke or heart attack as well as blood clots,” says Nick Ruthmann, cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
For all the joy the holidays bring, too much stress is the price we pay. The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they are also stressful, despite the gatherings with friends, parties, family gatherings, etc. Often in this context, people can drink more alcohol than normal, increasing the risk of developing holiday heart syndrome.
To prevent it, Dr. Ruthmann recommends being aware of excessive alcohol consumption. "To be aware of the amount of alcohol consumed, I recommend drinking a glass of water between each alcoholic drink to minimize the effects of alcohol on the body," he suggests. "Sometimes people drink more to cope with the stress going on around them during the holiday season. To that, I say focus on self-care, exercise, eat well and celebrate with moderate amounts of drinking," he concludes. he.
Tips to keep your heart healthy for the holidays:
- Enjoy sweets, but in moderate quantities
- Stay active, walk and exercise even on vacation days
- Take care of stress, manage yourself as best as possible, especially during the holidays
Source: Parade
