Dec. 16--It's easy to overdo it during the holidays. We eat too much, drink too much and don't exercise enough.
But drinking too much alcohol can do more than give you a hangover. Doctors say that those who have no known history of heart disease but drink a lot of alcohol at one time are candidates for "holiday heart syndrome."
In the Cleveland Clinic's Heart Advisor newsletter, cardiologist Curtis Rimmerman warns that one night of heavy drinking could be followed by an episode of atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation -- which he describes as "a rapid heart beating that originates from the upper chambers of the heart."
So what do you do if you get this feeling? Rimmerman says that if it lasts longer than five minutes -- and if you've never experienced this before -- you should see a doctor. (Get someone else to drive you to a doctor so that you don't have a heart attack on the way.) If you've experienced this feeling before and you know that it gradually dissipates, then you may be safe to wait it out.
How can you avoid "holiday heart syndrome"? If you're a heart patient and you have a history of occasional heart palpitations, your doctor may suggest that you take an extra beta blocker.
In addition to alcohol, salty foods also can increase blood pressure -- and put those with advanced coronary disease at risk of heart issues. In addition, sodium affects circulation and can lead to fluid or congestion in the lungs and congestive heart failure.
So what can you do to avoid holiday heart syndrome?
Try these suggestions:
--Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per night for men, one for women.
--Keep consumption of high-fat and high-sodium foods to a minimum.
--Maintain your usual exercise routine as much as possible, even if you have to exercise indoors.
Linda Shrieves can be reached at lshrieves@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5433.
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