If left untreated can have severe complications, and is possibly fatal
Frequency
Unclear
Holiday heart syndrome, also known as alcohol-induced atrial arrhythmias, is a
syndrome defined by an
irregular heartbeat and
palpitations[1] associated with high levels of
ethanol consumption.[2][3] Holiday heart syndrome was discovered in 1978 when
Philip Ettinger discovered the connection between arrhythmia and alcohol consumption.[4] It received its common name as it is associated with the
binge drinking common during the holidays.[5] It is unclear how common this syndrome is. 5-10% of cases of
atrial fibrillation may be related to this condition, but it could be as high 63%.[6]
Etiology
Cardiologists are unsure exactly what causes holiday heart syndrome. The ingestion of alcohol may slow down the
Cardiac conduction system, which is an important system for managing the
Circulatory system. It may also shorten the
refractory period of the
atrium. Another possibility is that alcohol consumption increases the level of
catecholamines, which increased the level of
P-waves, and therefore the risk of arrhythmia. Alcohol intake can also lead to a rise in
plasma free
fatty acids and an increase in the activity of the
sympathetic nervous system.[7][8] An
ATP2A2enhancer known as
JNK2 may play a role. Alcohol may activate it, which can affect other
proteins therefore increasing the risk of
arrhythmia.[9] Heavy consumption of alcohol may lead to an increased level of ethanol and
metabolites such as
acetaldehyde inside of the body.[10][11] All of these factors can contribute to arrhythmia.[12]
Drinking large quantities of alcohol or
caffeine,[13][14][15] eating
fatty foods with
salt,[16] heightened levels of
stress,[17][18] and
dehydration are all
risk factors for the development of this syndrome. HHS can appear in people who do not usually drink. Often these people who rarely drink may engage in an episode of heavy alcohol consumption and develop it as soon as they drink, others contract it 12–36 hours following the time of intoxication.[19] Usually patients with this disorder lack any
family history or previous clinical evidence of cardiological problems.[5]
Menz V, Grimm W, Hoffmann J, Maisch B (August 1996). "Alcohol and rhythm disturbance: the holiday heart syndrome". Herz. 21 (4): 227–231.
PMID8805002.
Alboni P, Gianfranchi L, Pacchioni F, Pedaci M (March 2005). "Antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation: where are we?". Italian Heart Journal. 6 (3): 169–174.
PMID15875505.