NCD Watch

Heavy Alcohol Drinking and Holiday Heart Syndrome

20 December 2022 (Tue)

Indulgence in alcohol comes with risks to health. One heart condition associated with excess alcohol consumption on holiday season is arrhythmia (problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat), or Holiday Heart Syndrome which can occur in heavy drinkers as well as binge drinkers with no obvious heart problem.

Among people with Holiday Heart Syndrome, the most frequently occurred type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation. Extensive observational evidences indicate that alcohol consumption can trigger atrial fibrillation symptoms. The higher the level of alcohol consumption the greater the risk of atrial fibrillation. Even at low level of alcohol consumption across common types of alcoholic beverages (including beer, wine and spirits) could increase the risk of incident atrial fibrillation.

A Swedish study observed that the risks of heart attack were 20-37% higher on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day that could be due to the effects of excessive alcohol consumption and among other factors such as overeating or sleep deprivation. Members of the public are urged to celebrate the holiday season in a healthier way by refraining from alcohol drinking. For those who choose to drink alcohol, they should make mindful beverage choices and stay alert to avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Most important of all is that some people should not drink alcohol at all, including children and adolescents; those who plan to drive after the parties; women who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant; those who have certain medical conditions (such as liver disease, hypertension and heart disease) or are taking medication.

For more information about alcohol and health risk, please visit www.change4health.gov.hk/en/alcohol_aware/index.html.

Source: NCD Watch December 2022