Bay Area doctors warn about Holiday Heart Syndrome
Local cardiologists in the Bay Area said they see an influx of patients with Holiday Heart Syndrome, also known as atrial fibrillation, during the holiday season.
They want to encourage people to make sure they are cognizant of their health as they're getting ready to ring in the new year.
"During these festive days, where there's holiday parties, folks may have a little bit extra alcohol and alcohol can truly be a trigger for this condition," Dr. Valerie Kwai Ben, a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente San Jose, told CBS News Bay Area.
"Palpitations, sometimes folks can have chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness. And even for those who have never had any prior heart conditions, they may actually feel like they're having a heart attack," she added.
Dr. Kwai Ben said Holiday Heart Syndrome can be triggered by a number of different factors, including stimulants like alcohol, coffee, tea, and emotional stress.
"Don't consume too much alcohol at one time. And in general, it's recommended not to exceed more than one drink for women and not more than two drinks for men," Dr. Kwai Ben said.
"We do find that even young patients who are relatively very healthy can come into our emergency rooms with this Holiday Heart Syndrome, so I really do warn even young and healthy individuals to be cognizant of these symptoms," she added.
She also recommended eating lighter meals and finding other ways to relax this holiday.
"If anybody experiences these heart palpitations or chest pain, they should definitely stop drinking immediately and the symptoms should resolve on their own. But if these symptoms persist or they feel more severe, they really should seek urgent medical care," Dr. Kwai Ben said.
74-year-old Vickie Geary of San Jose always made sure to stay healthy by being active and eating well.
But when she was doing dishes one morning, she noticed something was wrong.
"My first indication felt like a heavy, tired bowling ball pushing down on my stomach," Vickie Geary told CBS News Bay Area. "I got a pain under my last rib toward the back. That doesn't scream heart attack, your heart's up here. So, I called my healthcare provider, ran my symptoms past him and he said I want you to hang up and dial 911."
Geary soon learned she was having a heart attack, and her doctor said she needed to have a triple bypass.
While her heart attack wasn't tied to Holiday Heart Syndrome, she's still following all of the recommendations given to those with similar experiences.
"I walk every day, I try to eat healthy. Lead a healthy lifestyle will make a big difference," Geary said.
And medical experts said it's important to remain extra vigilant when people are gathered together for the festive celebrations.
"Even people who come in with atrial fibrillation can have a heart attack because of undue stress and increase in heart rate that can increase demand of the heart and have it overstressed," Dr. Kwai Ben said. "It can lead to other more serious complications such as blood clots, strokes, and heart failure."
She added that if your loved one is experiencing Holiday Heart Syndrome, to make sure they are sitting or laying down and to call 911 immediately.
