December is a month many eagerly await, with year-end holidays and festive celebrations for Christmas and New Year. But amid the cheer, health experts warn that these festivities can trigger a condition known as “holiday heart syndrome.”
According to HuffPost on Thursday, December 11, 2025, holiday heart syndrome is a temporary disruption of the heart’s rhythm, or arrhythmia, often caused by habits associated with holiday celebrations.
“Heart syndrome during holidays refers to heart rhythm disorders, namely arrhythmia,” said Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Imaging Research at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Holiday routines that increase the risk include overeating, especially processed foods, increased alcohol consumption, irregular sleep patterns, and staying up late. Excessive alcohol intake, in particular, can significantly impact heart health, affecting both healthy individuals and those with existing heart conditions.
“People with a predisposition to heart disease, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea are at higher risk during periods of excessive alcohol consumption,” explained Dr. Mrin Shetty, director of the Women’s Heart Program at the University of Louisville.
In most cases, holiday heart syndrome resolves on its own within 24 to 48 hours. However, repeated episodes can raise the risk of long-term complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.
“In some cases, heart syndrome during holidays can heal by itself within a day or two, but frequent or permanent arrhythmias can lead to serious long-term heart problems,” Shetty added.
Experts advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle even during celebrations. This includes eating nutritious foods, moderating alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and keeping regular sleep schedules to protect heart health.
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