NEW ORLEANS — For most people, the holiday season means full hearts and full stomachs. But too much celebrating could put you at an increased risk for holiday heart syndrome.
“Holiday heart syndrome is an arrhythmia induced by drinking a lot of alcohol,” WWL Medical Expert Dr. Corey Hebert said.
Consuming too much alcohol, when combined with emotional stress and high sodium foods, can have dangerous consequences.
Those most at risk are people who already have heart conditions. The experts say when it comes to heart health, everyone should exercise caution.
“The problem is that this preexisting heart condition they don't know about,” Dr. Hebert said. “So I really don't like to say it's a preexisting condition, because it's an existing condition that no one knows about. So you have to act like you have no issues, and that this can happen to anyone.”
Doctors’ offices see cases of holiday heart from Thanksgiving all the way through Mardi Gras. In a city where people love to celebrate, the doctors orders are clear. Just don't over do it.
“These are just very key words in moderation, moderation, moderation,” Dr. Hebert said. “Right. So when you start to drink tomorrow, you need to remember that you should drink one bottle of water between every drink.”
Moderation can be different for anyone. Primary care doctor’s can answer any questions you may have about alcohol and moderation.
“I think to find that medium that exists for an individual to be aware of their own limitations, aware of their own conditions and kind of what works for them, you know, given their medical conditions and their social life for life really kind of has to come into play,” LSU Health Cardiologist, Dr. Jameel Ahmed said.
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