How to Recognize Holiday Heart Syndrome

Holiday heart syndrome is not life threatening, but it is frightening. The syndrome is caused by excessive drinking over a short period of time and it causes the heart to have rhythm disturbances, particularly tachycardia. Holiday heart syndrome can also happen in people who use recreational marijuana or other drugs to excess. Here are some symptoms to watch for.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for sudden cardiac palpitations. It feels like your heart is beating out of your chest.

• 2

  Be prepared for chest pain which may or may not by a symptom of cardiac arrest. When in doubt, seek medical help.

• 3

  Recognize that shortness of breath may be a symptom of holiday heart syndrome.

• 4

  Ask yourself or the patient if there is a pressure-like feeling in the throat or neck.

• 5

  Prepare for dizziness, fainting, near fainting or passing out. Sit or lie down if you feel faint or dizzy.

• 6

  Confirm if there is a loss of coordination, sensation or function in an arm, leg or the ability to speak.

• 7

  Understand that sudden, momentary blindness may occur and take necessary precautions to avoid further injury.

• 8

  Check to see if the patient has signs of alcohol intoxication. Check to see how much you or the patient has had to drink and understand that cardiac problems can occur with substance abuse.