Dr David Gaze for The Conversation about how binge drinking over Christmas can cause heart problems

The article discusses how holiday heart syndrome - also known as alcohol induced atrial arrhythmia – is a condition where the heart beats abnormally (known as atrial fibrillation or AF) and if left untreated, may result in a heart attack.

Dr Gaze notes in the article that it remains unclear how drinking alcohol relates to the development of the condition, however he provides several factors which may explain why. He writes: “First, alcohol interferes with the nerve conduction in the heart, altering the rate of nerve signal transmission across the heart muscle.

Second, alcohol can increase the release of adrenaline from either the adrenal glands or the heart tissue, which can change the heartbeat leading to arrhythmia.

Third, fatty acids in the blood increase following alcohol consumption and are thought to be associated with the development of AF. Lastly, the alcohol metabolite acetaldehyde can increase the rate of abnormal muscle contraction.”

The article also examines some of scientists’ unanswered questions about the condition. Dr Gaze explains: “First, we don’t know if the rate of holiday heart syndrome is different in long-term drinkers compared with non-drinkers.”

He continues: “Second, there is a lack of information on other cardiac risk factors (comorbidities) and their influence on the risk of developing holiday heart syndrome.”

Lastly, he adds: “A great deal has been investigated relating to alcohol and its effect on the heart, however, much of the published research has focused on moderate intake of alcohol and its ability to protect the heart. Since holiday heart syndrome was first coined over 40 years ago, the public and doctors must be both aware of the toxic effects of alcohol on the heart, especially in those who do not show signs of classical heart diseases.”

Read the full article on The Conversation’s website.