Spot the signs, act early and protect your heart during holiday celebrations
VENTURA COUNTY — As holiday gatherings begin and alcohol consumption increases, American Medical Response Ventura County (AMR) and Gold Coast Ambulance are encouraging families to recognize the signs of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that occurs more frequently between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Heavier alcohol use, rich foods, emotional stress and delayed care are key contributors to the seasonal rise in cases.
During the holiday season, individuals may disregard mild or atypical cardiac symptoms, attributing them to fatigue or stress associated with festivities. As the manifestations of holiday heart syndrome can be subtle and easily missed, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical evaluation; early intervention may safeguard cardiovascular health and prove lifesaving.
Holiday heart syndrome
Holiday heart syndrome refers to an irregular heartbeat that usually happens due to behaviors common during holidays, like drinking too much alcohol or overeating festive foods. These habits can interfere with the heart’s electrical signals, causing arrhythmias.
Even people with no history of heart problems can experience it. Studies have found that about one-third of new atrial fibrillation diagnoses — the most common adult arrhythmia — are linked to alcohol use, a primary factor in holiday heart syndrome.
How to recognize possible holiday heart syndrome
Symptoms may appear shortly after drinking or develop later in the day. Watch for:
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A racing or irregular heartbeat
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Fluttering or pounding in the chest
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Chest discomfort
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness or fainting
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Sudden fatigue or weakness
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Anxiety or a sense that something feels wrong
Families are often the first to notice when something is off. If a loved one suddenly looks pale, short of breath or overwhelmed by a rapid heartbeat, trust that instinct and make the call.
When to call 911
Call immediately for:
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Chest pain or pressure
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Trouble breathing
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Fainting or near fainting
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Weakness, numbness or trouble speaking
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A fast or irregular heartbeat combined with dizziness or chest discomfort
What to do while waiting for first responders
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Sit down and remain still
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Follow instructions from the 911 dispatcher
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Keep medications and medical information nearby if possible
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Unlock doors and make your location easy for EMS to reach
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If someone collapses and is not breathing normally, the dispatcher may guide a bystander through hands only CPR
Prevention matters
Moderation with alcohol, staying hydrated and getting adequate rest can significantly reduce risk during the holiday season. People with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure or previous arrhythmias should be especially cautious and take prescribed medications consistently, even during travel.
Celebration and safety can go hand in hand. Pacing alcohol intake, paying attention to warning signs and calling 911 when something feels wrong can help families enjoy the season while protecting their health.
Media Contact:
Jess Weihe
Mustang Marketing
805.262-6007
About American Medical Response (AMR)
American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of emergency medical services, provides mobile healthcare in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to care for more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net or on Facebook andLinkedIn.
AMR is part of Global Medical Response, the largest air and ground emergency medical service provider in the United States. With 34,000 team members, the organization reaches more than 61% of the U.S. population, providing emergency medical care to 5.5 million patients annually and performing a critical intervention every 91 seconds. For over two decades, GMR’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has partnered with FEMA, DHS, HHS, state agencies, and private partners to deliver rapid, life-saving services during large-scale disasters, acts of terrorism, and public health emergencies, deploying over 80 times across all 10 FEMA regions. Its family of solutions includes ground ambulances, as well as multiple air EMS organizations including Air Evac Lifeteam,REACH Air Medical Services, Guardian Flight, Med-Trans Corporation, and AirMed International. For additional information, visit GMR at www.globalmedicalresponse.com, or on Facebook and LinkedIn.