Doctors warn of risks of overindulging over the holidays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Doctors say a combination of overindulging in food and alcohol during the holidays can put some people at risk for holiday heart syndrome.

During the holiday season, people tend to have different eating and drinking habits than the other parts of the year.

All the extra salt and sugar consumed can make people feel bad. In some cases, people may experience, a racing heart or chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.

Doctors say this is known as ‘holiday heart syndrome’ and it can be caused by too much alcohol and salty foods. Those with existing heart issues are considered most at risk. However, anyone can be diagnosed with it.

Doctors with Cleveland Clinic say if you do start to experience symptoms, like a racing heart, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath, you should stop drinking immediately.

‘Holiday heart syndrome’ usually resolves on its own. But, if symptoms persist, you should go to the ER.

“Things to think about, or look for, are chest discomfort. I don’t always say chest pain because oftentimes it’s pressure or discomfort,” Dr. Deborah Plate with the Cleveland Clinic explained. “And so, anything that’s different than normal is important. Heartburn that does not improve with something over the counter like an antacid need to be investigated. Shortness of breath, it’s different than usual. I often talk to my patients about walking across a flat surface and being short of breath. We all get a little shorter breath with stairs, but flat surface shortness of breath concerns me.”

Some other advice Doctor Plate shares if you do plan to drink alcohol at different holiday parties be sure to pace yourself and switch off with some water.

She also suggests eating less during the day so you can eat more at the party or eat right before the party so you’re less tempted to overindulge.

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