Can the Holidays Season Put Extra Stress on Your Heart?

The Holiday Season is in full swing. Between decking the halls and spinning the dreidel, this time of year can be especially stressful — not only on our minds, but our bodies too.

It is common to try to squeeze in too much in a normal week — preparations can lead to feeling more stress, drinking more caffeine and becoming dehydrated. Travel plans and parties may result in poor sleep and additional stress. Diets around these weeks are often much more indulgent with higher amounts of salt, calories, and sugar than normal– and in some cases alcohol. The increased stress on the heart can trigger abnormal rhythm and destabilize existing heart disease.

Dr. Shaline Rao, Director of Heart Failure Services, NYU Langone Hospital- Long Island, says “holiday heart syndrome is when someone who is not known to have heart disease experiences a rapid irregular heart rate called atrial fibrillation in the setting of stressors that often are higher in holiday times.” And it is something that can be dangerous if left untreated.  

Dr. Rao has some tips including prioritizing sleep, eating a balanced diet, saying no, and asking Santa for a wearable. 

“The good news, many wearable devices can notice this change in your heart rhythm and notify you early,” said Dr. Rao. “If your device signals you, you may have atrial fibrillation or an irregular heart rate, please make sure to see your doctor or seek emergency services as quickly as possible.”