A Dangerous Holiday Tradition: Physicians Seeing Uptick in Seasonal Atrial Fibrillation Issues

[PADUCAH, KY] Jan. 2, 2025 – The new year has arrived, it’s a time for new beginnings, celebration, and reflection. However, the excitement of New Year’s festivities—and the overindulgence that often accompanies them—can lead to an uptick in cardiac arrhythmias caused by atrial fibrillation (AFIB). This seasonal increase has been dubbed holiday heart syndrome.

“Holiday heart syndrome is a term used to describe cardiac arrhythmias (primarily atrial fibrillation) that occur after binge drinking," explained Dr. Lea, a cardiologist at Baptist Health Medical Group. "Symptoms include a lack of energy, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and chest discomfort. This can occur even in individuals who rarely or never consume alcohol outside of occasional drinking around the holidays.”

The condition is characterized by an irregular or racing heart rhythm that may feel like a flutter in the chest. While individuals with existing heart conditions are more vulnerable, even those in good health can experience this phenomenon due to holiday habits such as binge drinking, overeating, or high levels of stress.

To protect your heart in the New Year, Dr. Lea recommends adopting heart-healthy habits, including:

• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Being mindful of salt intake
• Staying hydrated with plenty of water
• Engaging in regular physical activity, such as a brisk walk or light jog

Recognizing the symptoms of atrial fibrillation and seeking prompt medical care is essential. Left untreated, this condition can increase the risk of serious complications, such as a heart attack or stroke.

At Baptist Health, your heart health matters—during the holidays and every day. If you or one of your loved ones has experienced symptoms of holiday heart, we encourage you to seek immediate medical attention. Talk with your primary care provider about a referral to Baptist Health Medical Group Cardiology, where our expert team is here to help.

Let 2025 be a year filled with health and happiness. Take the first step by caring for your heart today.

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Baptist Health Paducah is a regional medical and referral center serving about 200,000 patients a year from four states. With more than 1,300 employees and 364 physicians, it offers more than 40 points of care with a full range of services, including cardiac and cancer care, diagnostic imaging, women’s and children’s services, surgery, emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and more. It has the region’s first heart center and only accredited chest pain center and certified stroke center with 24/7 neurohospitalist coverage, as well as Paducah’s only comprehensive cancer center and Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care unit. Baptist Health Paducah has a network of healthcare providers for patients in western Kentucky and southern Illinois—from Baptist Health Medical Group physician offices to Baptist Health Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine locations.

The hospital is also designated Pathway to Excellence® for excellence in nursing services by the American Nursing Credentialing Center. It opened in 1953 as Western Baptist Hospital and changed its name in early 2013, along with other facilities in Baptist Health, the largest not-for-profit healthcare systems in Kentucky.