Holiday heart syndrome
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Holiday heart syndrome is an irregular heartbeat pattern presented in individuals who are otherwise healthy. It can be the result of stress, dehydration, and drinking. Sometimes associated with binge drinking, the condition can also occur when individuals consume only moderate amounts of alcohol.
Irregular heartbeats are very serious and if the patient is experiencing Atrial fibrillation they should seek medical attention immediately as this condition can lead to blood clots, no matter what the age of the patient is. If palpitations continue for longer than a few hours patients can seek medical attention. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in holiday heart syndrome, but a variety of changes in the intervals and morphology of the EKG may occur. All symptoms usually resolve themselves within 24 hours.
It is defined as "arrhythmias of the heart, sometimes apparent after a vacation or weekend away from work, following excessive alcohol consumption; usually transient" [1]. The term was coined by Ettinger et al in 1978 [2]).
Research has suggested that as many as 65% of all Arrhythmias found in individuals under age 65 are a variation of Holiday Heart Syndrome. College Students on spring break and individuals in high-stress jobs often present symptoms after a night or weekend of heavy drinking.
