"Holiday heart" is the name doctors use when a heart rhythm problem, most often atrial fibrillation (AFib), shows up after a stretch of heavy drinking, big salty meals, short sleep and stress. It is common around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. The good news: a few simple habits lower the odds, and knowing the warning signs helps you act fast if your heart does skip out of step.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you already have AFib or another heart condition, ask your own doctor what is safe for you.
What "holiday heart" actually means
Your heart's top chambers, the atria, normally beat in a steady pattern. In AFib they twitch very fast instead, so the heartbeat turns irregular. Some people feel a flutter, pounding or racing. Others only notice they are tired or short of breath.
Holiday heart describes an episode like this that follows a binge, usually of alcohol. It can happen to people who have never had a rhythm problem, and it can trigger a flare in people who already have AFib. You can read more about the condition itself on our AFib page.
Common holiday triggers
Alcohol
Alcohol is the best known trigger. Several drinks in one sitting, or several nights of drinking in a row, can upset the heart's electrical system. If you have AFib, talk with your doctor about whether any amount is okay for you, and how much.
Salty, heavy meals
Ham, gravy, stuffing, chips and dips all pack a lot of salt. Salt can raise blood pressure and make the body hold on to fluid, which puts extra strain on the heart. A huge meal can also leave you feeling sluggish and short of breath.
Short sleep and snoring
Late nights, travel and houseguests cut into sleep. Poor sleep can make rhythm problems more likely. Loud snoring or pauses in breathing at night can be signs of sleep apnea, which is closely linked to AFib. Our guide on sleep apnea and AFib explains why your doctor may ask about it.
Stress and skipped medicines
Busy schedules make it easy to forget pills, especially blood thinners and rhythm or rate medicines. Missing doses can let symptoms creep back and can raise stroke risk for people who take a blood thinner for AFib. Stress, caffeine and energy drinks can add to the mix.
Simple ways to protect your rhythm this season
- Pace your drinks. Alternate with water or sparkling water, and set a limit before the party starts.
- Go easy on salt. Fill half your plate with vegetables, take smaller portions of the salty sides, and skip the second trip for gravy.
- Protect your sleep. Aim for a regular bedtime, even on days off.
- Keep your medicines on schedule. Set a phone alarm and pack pills in your carry-on if you travel.
- Keep moving. A walk after the big meal helps digestion and clears your head.
- Watch the caffeine. Extra coffee to make up for late nights can make palpitations worse for some people.
These habits are worth keeping after the holidays, too. Small, steady changes add up for your heart rhythm.
How to tell if your heart is out of rhythm
Check your pulse at the wrist or neck. A beat that feels jumpy, uneven or much faster than usual is worth paying attention to. A home blood pressure machine that shows an irregular heartbeat symbol is another clue. First Coast Cardiovascular Institute (FCCI) says to be suspicious of AFib if either one happens.
Write down the date, the time, what you were doing and how you felt. That short note helps your doctor a lot.
When to call 911
Do not wait out these symptoms, even on a holiday:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- Face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech
Call 911 and do not drive yourself. Our page on when AFib is an emergency lists more red flags to share with family.
After the holidays: get it checked
If you had palpitations, a racing heartbeat or an irregular pulse over the holidays, even once, book a visit. A heart rhythm specialist can find out whether it was AFib and talk with you about stroke risk and treatment. Options range from blood thinners and rhythm or rate medicines to ablation, which FCCI says can potentially cure AFib in certain patients.
FCCI's electrophysiology team is led by Dr. Firas El Sabbagh, MD, FHRS, Director of Electrophysiology, with Dr. Deepak Kumar Pasupula, MD, MPH, FACC, FHRS. Both are Fellows of the Heart Rhythm Society.
Quick answers
Can one night of drinking cause AFib?
It can. Heavy drinking in a short time is a known trigger, even in people who have never had a rhythm problem. If it happens, get checked.
Should I stop my blood thinner for a holiday party?
No, not on your own. Keep taking your medicines as prescribed and ask your doctor before making any change.
My heart raced once and then settled. Do I still need a visit?
Yes. AFib can come and go. A short episode is still worth a check, especially if you are over 65 or have high blood pressure, diabetes or a past stroke.
Had a holiday flutter? Call FCCI at 904.493.3333, Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM, to see a heart rhythm specialist.
