HOLIDAY HEART SYNDROME: WHAT FILIPINOS MUST KNOW (AND HOW TO PREVENT IT THIS CHRISTMAS)

Every December, cardiologists brace for one of the most predictable and preventable spikes in heart emergencies: Holiday Heart Syndrome.

- DR. RAFAEL R. CASTILLO

Follow the two-drink rule. For most adults, safe intake is: women -- one drink/day; men -- two drinks/ day. Never do tagay rounds -- viral for TikTok, deadly for the heart.

It happens so consistently that hospitals worldwide consider Christmas and New Year as "peak season" for arrhythmias and cardiac events.In the Philippines, the risk is even higher because our Christmas is the longest in the world with celebrations, reunions, and mountains of festive food spanning weeks (actually months).

But what exactly is Holiday Heart Syndrome? Why does it strike people who seem otherwise healthy? And how can Filipinos enjoy the holidays without landing in the emergency room?

Let's break it down simply, scientifically, and with practical steps you can apply immediately.

First described in medical literature in 1978, Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS) refers to sudden heart rhythm disturbances, especially atrial fibrillation, that occur after heavy eating, binge drinking, sleep deprivation, and emotional stress.

The scary part? It can happen even in people with no prior heart disease.

Typical symptoms include palpitations (kumak-abog ang dibdib), dizziness or near-fainting, sudden shortness of breath, chest tightness or pressure, irregular pulse, fatigue.

If untreated, Holiday Heart Syndrome can lead to stroke, heart failure, dangerous arrhythmias, heart attack.