Holiday Heart Syndrome

Question: Is it OK to get drunk if you get "Holiday Heart Syndrome" alot? I get it when I have a hangover, but can you die from it?

Answer: I would say that is dangerous to get drunk and you should not drink so much. It would be Ok to have some alcohol but not to excess "Regular consumption of alcohol in modest amounts does not seem to have the same potential to cause arrhythmias as alcohol consumed in heavy amounts. In fact, it has been shown in a sample of patients whose usual daily alcohol intake exceeds 6 drinks that the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial premature beats is at least twice that of patients who drink alcohol at least monthly but who on average consume less than a single drink daily. "

Question: Holiday heart syndrome? Lately after a night of drinking I'll fall asleep and wake up 5 hours later with my heart rate at around 110-120 beats per minute. I can't fall back asleep because of this and then it stays at that rate for hours. I woke up at 8am today and it's still going on. I was reading some things about something called "Holiday Heart Syndrome." Has anyone else heard of this and can it be what's wrong with me? Thanks, I know I should go see a doctor - I'm going tomorrow.

Answer: Just google "holiday heart syndrome",yes your right. Where I worked we just called it Monday when everyone came in after a weekend of binge drinking. Alcohol is a stimulant. Drinks lots of water.

Question: Is holiday heart syndrome harmful to your health?

Answer: Holiday Heart may be harmful to your overall health. "This type of arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, develops when muscles in the heart's upper chambers contract too quickly, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. Blood is then not adequately pumped from the heart, and may pool and form clots. Blood clots that travel to the brain result in a stroke. Statistics show that having atrial fibrillation results in a fivefold increase in the chance of having a stroke." - article below I say, why take a chance with your long-term health when simply have a drink or three less negates the problem?

Question: Holiday Heart / Sinus Tachycardia? 20 year old male. Well ever since an anxiety attack in November, I have been getting a really fast heart rate the morning after drinking. I will wake up and my heart will be doing 110-120. It is really quite annoying and debilitating. I was scheduled for an echo-stress test, and I decided to have a few drinks the night before, so that they would see this fast HR during my stress test. Sure enough, when it came time to do the stress test, my heart rate was doing 120 when they put the leads on before I even began to run. When the results came, they said that I had 'Sinus Tachycardia" with something like "In flow stenosis" or something along those lines when I first walked in. What causes this holiday heart syndrome or Sinus tachycardia? Is it dangerous? What can I do to make it not occur..because I am a university student, and yes we like to drink and party. Thanks

Answer: I don't see holiday heart syndrome in your story. Besides you have an stress test after drinking to prove that it is sinus tachycardia. Your problem has 2 folds: 1. Anxiety, you should learn how to relax. Once you are able to relax, the heart rate will drop. 2. Drinking, alcohol is a diuretic, after a night of drinking, your body would be depleted of water, the first sign of thirst is tachycardia, that is, heart rate about 110-120beat / min. So not to worry, this is not holiday heart syndrome, but if you are worried, discuss with your Dr again. One more thing, the inflow stenosis? Ask your doctor again, I think this is just a technical term they used to describe something that is borderline normal and you don't really need to worry about it.

Question: Prime heart attack season has arrived - do you know what to watch for at holiday / family gatherings? Today our neighbor is being buried, tis the season to watch over our relatives and friends.... A 2004 study confirmed it was a nationwide phenomenon, with peaks in death coinciding around the Christmas and New Year's holidays. -Busy revelers tend to skip their medications -Too much salt has an even more immediate effect -Worse is something called "holiday heart syndrome," where alcohol literally irritates the heart muscle to trigger an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. If a-fib goes unchecked for too long, it in turn can cause a stroke. -People say they're too busy to exercise But the holiday spike happens even in warm climates. And delay in treatment plays a role. Hospitals may be short-staffed during the holidays, slowing the time it takes to diagnose a heart attack and start clearing the blocked artery, says Dr. Alice Jacobs of Boston University. It's not uncommon for people to initially shrug off chest pain as indigestion - so please be aware. 3 years ago , my father had a silent heart attack with NO pain at all - he thought it was an asthma attack. So people clutching their chest's in pain is not always the norm. http://www.americanheart.org/

Answer: Heart attack symptoms include: 1) Chest pain, typically spreading down the left arm. 2) Shortness of breath 3) Nausea and/or vomiting. 4) Sweating and anxiety About one-third of heart attacks are silent and just happen without the usual symptoms.

Question: Am I too sensitive? Empty Nest Syndrome is heart wrenching! and premature? My son hasen't even left yet for college. He leaves in 1 month, but we are getting things together for it now. I am divorced and I also have a daughter who is grown, but lives nearby, she has been out of the house for 4 years now, and since then, it's just been me and my son. After he leaves, It will be the first time in my entire life that I have ever lived alone, which is a very strange concept to me. I am very close to both of my kids, and I feel so lost not being their "protector" anymore. I visit my daughter quite a bit, but I won't see my son until the holidays. I am very proud of him, but I feel selfish in the sense that I am now the one that's lost. I also feel stupid in the sense that I am so depressed now, even before he leaves. I can't imagine what I will be feeling when he is actually gone. Am I being too sensitive?

Answer: NO, you are not being too sensitive but be careful you do not make him feel guilty.We forget our children also feel a sense of responsibilty if we raised them right. I have four children adnwith each one I went through what you are going through my youngest is getting ready to graduwate high school and I too am feeling the pangs of loss. But my son said something to me one day that made me sit up and fly right so to speak. He said Mom I don't think I am going to go to College. And when I asked him why not he said because he did not want to make me cry the way I did for all our other children. I do not want to ever be the thing that stands inmy childrens way of a bright and hopeful future. I told my son he was to not worry that him going to College is a very normal thing and Inwill get over this feeling of melancholy and am looking forward to doing things I have not been able to do for 25 yrs. This made him feel better and he agreed to go to college. You need to realize that while your children are your life, you need to make sure you are a sound and well rounded person so you can be there when the grandkids come along.

Question: How do I help my mother cope with empty nest syndrome? OK, I am 26 years old. I have lived in the same town all my life. I went to college (undergrad) in my hometown and while I lived in the dorms, I went home on the weekends. Then after graduating college I lived at home for a year while working, and decided to go to graduate school at the same school I did my undergrad and live at home while I do so. So I'm 26 and I haven't lived anywhere except for my hometown. I decided to study abroad this fall in Europe. The plan was to stay for only one semester, but I like it so much that I want to return for the spring (after going home for the holidays) and finish up the academic year here. My mother is having a hard time with this. She told me that it is my life and I can do what I want. And she told me a few days ago that I don't have to justify my reasons for wanting to stay abroad. So I was shocked to receive an email from her tonight asking me to reconsider my decision to return to Europe after the winter holidays. She said that her heart is broken more than I can possibly imagine and that our family needs to be together again. Also she said that staying abroad wasn't something I planned to do, so would I please reconsider? I plan to return home in June to finish up school, and I feel like I have lived at home longer than average. Many of my friends have left home much earlier than me, like at age 22 or even 20. And I'm 26. So it's not like I'm doing something unusual by wanting to stay abroad a little longer. Coming abroad has renewed my interest in life and it has made me appreciate both the US AND other cultures more than I ever did before. Plus I am gaining some confidence and independence. I feel that 5 more months would only enhance that. The problem is that I feel so bad about hurting my mother because I know she wants me home. I have never lived away from home and she does not have a husband so it's even harder for her. Is this empty nest syndrome? If so, it will only get worse when my brother and I get married and move out on our own for our jobs. What can I do to help her cope? We have a good relationship but she never wants to discuss my staying abroad over the phone because it makes her so sad. She said I can email her, so I will do that. I don't know how to explain my reasons for wanting to stay abroad without hurting her or sounding selfish. And I think on some level she does understand that it is my life and I have to do what I want. But how do I help her not be so sad? How can I help her handle the whole empty nest syndrome thing in general? I care about her and I don't want to put a rift in our relationship.

Answer: I'm a mother of a 16 year old that is graduating early and has a boyfriend that lives out of state, where her father lives. I often think of how it would be if my daughter were to move out of state after graduating. I understand how hard it must be for you mother, but I think there are things you can do to help, depending on how hard your mom takes it. Some ideas are to send special notes through the mail with pictures of yourself and places you go. If you are any good with photo software you could cut your mom out of some old photos and put her in with the photos of yourself. Send little jokes or gag gifts to give her a laugh. I'm sure it will be hard for your mother but it will get easier.

Question: New Green Day songs: Who would agree with me? 21 Guns: I'm in love with this song! It is sooo good!!!! Restless Heart Syndrome: Really guys?? American Eulogy: AMAZING (but sounds a bit like one of their old songs right? Along the lines of Deadbeat Holiday or Westbound Sign...) East Jesus Nowhere: What can I say...<3 Before the Lobotomy: Beginning: uuuh but later on it gets REALLY good 21st Century Breakdown: Haha I love it (especially the "irish jig" part in the 2nd half (whoever heard the interview knows what I mean...)!!!) 1, I DO listen to old green day...It's ALL I listen too!! I have EVERY SINGLE ALBUM okay?? Never insult me like that again. 2, I just listened to the new album on rhapsody and OMFG it SUCKS!! I'm so sorry, but there are only a few songs on it that I like....

Answer: I love 21 Guns! But R.H.S., i dont like it at all. It just sounds like crap, but love Green Day still! I havent heard A.E. East Jesus Nowhere, he sounds hott!!!(: Before the Lobotomy, i love when he goes to them high notes! 21st Century Breakdown, ehhh its ok but it gets old after a while. thats nice that you think it sucks(:

Question: be coming an f1 racing driver? Dear Sir or Madam My name is Damian littlefair and I am 17 Years old and I want to become the worlds first F1 driver with ADHD and asperger's syndrome. When I am on go-carts on holiday my concentration is on a high and I become one with the car and I race on wanting to win. I dream about been I F1 racing driver but my ADHD and asperger's syndrome affects my concentration. I want to prove doctors and other medical people wrong this what I have wanted to do all my life and I know with the right sponsorship and the right training I could do it I know I can from the very bottom of my heart. I was wondering if you could help me get the training and the sponsorship I would be most extremely great full I wouldn’t let you down at all yours faithfully Damian Steven Littlefair

Answer: You sound like a very determined person and I admire you. Im sure you have a great future whatever problems you have.

Question: Am I a hypochondriach? Basically, I think that I am a hypochondriach, although I know most hypochondriachs visit the doctor constantly I don't because I hate going to the docs. I am 19 and the reasons I think that I am a hypochondriach are: - When I was 9 I had a fear of swallowing. I couldn't eat anything thick or lumpy because I was terrified that it would get stuck or something would happen, i literally lived off soup, even now I get a bit worried when I swallow tablets although my eating is fine now and no food bothers me. - when I was about 10 I had a fear of being sick after having a stomach bug, everytime I felt a little bit sick I would get terrified, now being sick really doesn't bother me. - from the age of about 12 I started to get terrified that I had something wrong with my heart like heart disease, i stopped eating mcdonalds and chips etc cos I was scared they would clog up my heart, i was scared to do exercise because it raised my heartbeat and I was scared that it would cause a heart attack, I would and still do get chest pains and pains in my side and was convinced they were something to do with my heart - even now I am still worried I have something wrong with my heart I'm scared I have a heart murmer and I am scared to feel my own heartbeat because it freaks me out, although I don't get as scared as I used to. - When i was about 14 I used to get dizzy all of the time, in exams and at school because they were stressful, and it used to scare the hell out of me as I thought that I would faint and die on the spot or something! now when I feel dizzy it really doesn't bother me as much as it used to but at the time this really got me depressed as I would constantly feel dizzy and then linked it with my heart. The things that I listed above lasted for years and then I went through a phase where nothing really worried me apart from the the things above, which I was used to so they didnt bother me as much. - Then when I was 17 (2 years ago) I went to the doctors because I had a cold and whilst I was there i brought up the fact that I have slightly weird shaped fingers (not disfigured or anything i just have weird knuckles) because I have clicked my fingers all of my life and he said that I could have Marfan's syndrome, of course I went home and researched this and it scared the s**t out of me as it said that it was a sydrome that affects the bones and the heart - and all my worries about the heart problems came flooding back along with worrying about my bones. Even now I am terrified that I have this syndrome but I am too scared to go to the doctors. When a bone hurts I automatically think that I am dying from this syndrome. - even though I still worry about having this syndrome another worry which I developed about a year ago was that my hair was falling out. I am constantly checking in the mirror at my hairline and when I wash my hair and hair comes out and goes down the plug it scares me, I also missed my period a couple of months ago and linked hairloss and missed periods to PCOS and then for months I was convinced that I had that. - My most recent worry is about my eyesight. a few months ago I developed a floater which I know is normal but at the time it really scared me. I also developed a slight blur in my right eye - this literally knocked me for 6 as I was convinced that I was going blind, I went to the opticians who did a retinal exam and checked my eyes and he said everything looked healthy and that the blur what caused by a misshaped cornea and isn't serious. But i STILL can't help but worrying, my cornea could get worse - which terrifies me and I am now convinced that I have a detached retina even though I have been told my eyes look healthy (although this was 5 months ago) Ive started seeing strange things which I am sure is in my mind but then terrified incase they are not, when i look at the sky I get a black flash and I see floaters. I am going on holiday in 12 weeks and I'm terrified because of my eyes. I also can't be in a dark room as I get really scared and my eyes go all funny almost like a kelidescope! Do you think I have hyponchodria? if so I live in the UK and I really want to talk to someone about it like a physcologist to hopefully make these worries go away, its taking over my life!!!

Answer: Yes, I would say definitely hun. Mental illness is no joke, I recommend you DO talk to someone about your concerns. You have to do what is best for YOU. Maybe you might consider swallowing your fears and going to the doctor, and asking him to give you a thouroigh checkup - and when you have a clean bill of health, you will be able to relax for a while...and even if you find there IS something wrong with you, you will have nipped it in the bud and will be able to do something about it! A psychotherapist sounds like a good bet, although there are sometimes waiting lists...However there are also helplines where you can call, and where you can talk through your concerns and fears, and get advice and help. - this is only ONE of them but i thought i might suit your situation: CARELINE Providing confidential crisis telephone counselling for children, young people and adults on all issues including child abuse, eating disorders, bullying, HIV/AIDS, bereavement, drug & alcohol abuse, relationships, depression, mental health anxieties and phobias Website: www.carelineuk.org Email: careline@totalise.co.uk Stay strong hun, I am sure that you can work through your problems and get better. it may take a while, and be hard at times, but you gotta be patient, and try not to worry. I am thinking of you hun, and sending you lots of love and support. I hope this helped. XXX