Late-night parties, binge drinking and lack of sleep during weekends may be putting many people at risk of a heart condition known as “Holiday Heart Syndrome”, cardiologists have warned.
The condition refers to irregular heart rhythms that occur after episodes of heavy alcohol consumption, dehydration and sleep deprivation. Doctors say the pattern is increasingly being seen among younger urban patients whose weekend lifestyles combine several risk factors.
Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, Director and Lead Cardiologist at KIMS Hospital in Bengaluru, highlighted the issue after observing a patient whose heart rate spiked on a particular day every week.
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Speaking to South First, Dr Krishnamurthy said the pattern is often linked to weekend habits. “This pattern is quite common, especially among younger people,” he said, adding that binge drinking, lack of sleep, and underlying high blood pressure can all disrupt the heart’s rhythm.
He also explained that recurring episodes of abnormal heart rhythm rarely occur randomly. For instance, when the symptoms develop regularly following the weekend, the doctor will consider the amount of alcohol the patient has been drinking, dehydration, physical activity, and lack of sleep as the potential causes.
How weekend lifestyles impact the heart
Dr Sanjay S Bhat, a Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, said weekend social activities contribute to the development of conditions that disrupt the heart’s rhythm.
“Late-night partying, alcohol, and high sodium intake lead to dehydration and blood pressure spikes, which can cause irregular heartbeat,” Dr. Sanjay S Bhat told South First.
He has warned that such incidents may begin with mild palpitations, but they may advance to more serious rhythm problems. Some patients may suffer from atrial fibrillation, which means the heartbeat becomes irregular and quick. This may lead to other complications if not treated in time.
Doctors have also stated that alcohol has a direct link to the disruption of the heartbeat’s rhythm. When the body digests alcohol, acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical, is produced, which may affect the heartbeat.
When mixed with smoking, drugs, or excessive sleep deprivation, the chances of arrhythmia may occur even in those who have never suffered from heart problems.
Warning signs that must not be ignored
Doctors have stated that some warning signs must not be ignored, and patients must seek medical attention immediately.
According to Dr. Bhat, the warning signs may include palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, and unexplained bloating. Some patients may experience breathlessness while lying down or swelling in the legs.
Many people dismiss these symptoms as exhaustion or acidity, which can delay diagnosis. Dr Krishnamurthy noted that wearable devices and smartwatches can sometimes help detect irregular heart rhythms early.
“Wearable devices and smart watches can definitely pick up atrial fibrillation early,” he said, adding that such alerts can encourage people to seek medical care before complications develop.
Prevention lies in moderation
Doctors say the condition can often be prevented through simple lifestyle changes. Dr Krishnamurthy advised limiting alcohol intake to one or two standard drinks and avoiding binge drinking. Adequate hydration, balanced meals and proper sleep are also essential for maintaining stable heart rhythms.
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Dr. Bhat emphasized that weekends should not turn into a routine of excessive drinking and sleep deprivation.
“The weekend is for resting, not partying till 4 am,” he said, emphasising that excessive partying over weekends could gradually weaken the heart.
Cardiologists stress that recognising symptoms and controlling weekend excesses can help prevent temporary rhythm disturbances from turning into serious heart conditions.
