Holiday heart syndrome: Difference between revisions
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==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Holiday heart syndrome is defined as "[[arrhythmias]] of the [[heart]], sometimes apparent after a [[vacation]] or weekend away from work, following excessive [[alcohol]]consumption; usually transient" | Holiday heart syndrome is defined as "[[arrhythmias]] of the [[heart]], sometimes apparent after a [[vacation]] or weekend away from work, following excessive [[alcohol]]consumption; usually transient". | ||
Irregular heartbeats are very serious. If palpitations continue for longer than a few hours patients should seek medical attention. [[Atrial fibrillation]] is the most common arrhythmia in holiday heart syndrome and can result in very serious consequences such as [[stroke]], but a variety of changes in the intervals and morphology of the [[EKG]] may occur (irregular series of QRS complexes and absent p waves). All symptoms usually resolve themselves within 24 hours. | Irregular heartbeats are very serious. If palpitations continue for longer than a few hours patients should seek medical attention. [[Atrial fibrillation]] is the most common arrhythmia in holiday heart syndrome and can result in very serious consequences such as [[stroke]], but a variety of changes in the intervals and morphology of the [[EKG]] may occur (irregular series of QRS complexes and absent p waves). All symptoms usually resolve themselves within 24 hours. | ||
Revision as of 06:49, 24 June 2013
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Raviteja Guddeti, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Holiday heart syndrome is an irregular heartbeat pattern presented in individuals who are otherwise healthy. It can be the result of stress, dehydration, and drinking. Usually this syndrome is associated with binge drinking. However, it may also occur in patients who usually drink little or no alcohol.
Historical Perspective
The term was coined by Ettinger et al in 1978.[1]
Pathophysiology
Holiday heart syndrome is defined as "arrhythmias of the heart, sometimes apparent after a vacation or weekend away from work, following excessive alcoholconsumption; usually transient".
Irregular heartbeats are very serious. If palpitations continue for longer than a few hours patients should seek medical attention. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in holiday heart syndrome and can result in very serious consequences such as stroke, but a variety of changes in the intervals and morphology of the EKG may occur (irregular series of QRS complexes and absent p waves). All symptoms usually resolve themselves within 24 hours.
References