Contributed By: Healthians Team
Introduction
As the festive season is here in full swing, festive heart ailments have hit a peak during the season.
The most prevalent condition that is frequently seen in holiday heart syndrome is atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by an acute cardiac rhythm disturbance. The condition can be experienced, typically during festivals.
While people with pre-existing heart issues are more vulnerable and experience this, it can also happen to people with no previous heart disease symptoms. Delayed treatment can result in potentially serious complications including enlargement of the heart muscles.
Multiple studies have shown that it can also lead to heart attack triggered by sudden exertion, excitement or binge drinking.
In this post, we share the causes of the condition and how to get rid of it.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF FESTIVE HEART SYNDROME?
The sharp rise in the manifestation of heart-related conditions may be attributed to a combination of factors. Most importantly, people tend to forget their medications and skip exercise due to festivities.
Additionally, smoking, excessive cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure can exacerbate the situation, often resulting in heart failure or even death.
It is triggered by:
- unrestricted eating of unhealthy food high in fats and oils
- unaccustomed physical exertion
- excessive alcohol consumption
- elevated levels of stress
- period of sudden excitement
- dehydration.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FESTIVE HEART SYNDROME?
The initial symptoms of festive heart syndrome include sudden onset of intermittent or continuous palpitations (feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating hard or fast).
Other most common symptoms of arrhythmia are:
- A slow heartbeat
- An irregular heartbeat
- Feeling pauses between heartbeats.
More serious signs include:
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Sudden dizziness
- Dyspnea
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Upper body discomfort
- Chest pain or discomfort.
HOW DO YOU GET RID OF FESTIVE HEART SYNDROME?
The good news about festive heart syndrome is that the condition is reversible. It can be easily prevented, by avoiding the triggers which can increase your heart rate and blood pressure.
Festivals are unique moments that we can fully enjoy with family and friends. However, you can do it without compromising our heart health. Here are a few fundamental tips to help you maintain a healthy body and save your heart from the damage of festive heart syndrome.
- Eat modestly
- Drink in moderation
- Stay away from smoking (even second-hand smoke)
- Avoid fast foods
- Eat something healthy and nutritious before stepping out for a party
- Eat healthy foods like fruits along with the unhealthy
- Eat to replace potassium and other electrolytes lost through urination
- Drink water, as dehydration can throw off the electrolyte balance of the body
- Limit your intake of salty and sugary foods
- Control stress levels.
Lifestyle Modifications
Despite the mouth-watering dishes on the festive dinner table, the need of the hour is to give your heart a break. The easiest method to prevent festival gluttony is to prioritise heart health by becoming more aware and informed about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The management of heart conditions requires timely interventions and regular health check-ups. You need to make a conscious choice to exercise for 30 minutes 5 days a week. Incorporate some form of exercise into your everyday routine to get you through the festive season.
