The Philippine Heart Association has warned the public against “holiday heart syndrome,” a growing concern not only in the Philippines but worldwide.
In a recent Usapang Puso sa Puso, Dr. Iris Garcia, PHA director III and advocacy chairperson, said, “It is important to remember that Christmas Day is not a cheat day. Pity your heart.”
The holiday heart syndrome is an irregular heart rhythm that can happen even to a person with or without a history of heart disease.
Garcia, a Philippine Heart Center doctor, said that holiday heart syndrome is a sudden, erratic heartbeat also due to excessive alcohol consumption, and that rapid and irregular heart rate and pulsing sensations in the neck are among the early symptoms.
She said such a health condition needs emergency treatment since it could lead to cardiac arrest.
A surge in heart-related consultations or emergencies and complications once the festivities come to an end.
The PHA raised concerns that several studies showed that heart attacks and cardiac death increase during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The 2,545-member PHA cited a post-holiday surge in heart-related emergencies.
Garcia reminded the people to embrace the PHA PUSO MUNA lifestyle (Pagkain na masustansya, Huwag manigarilyo, Aktibong pamumuhay, Presyon ay kontrolin, Uminom ng maintenance, Sugar ay kontrolin, Obesity ay iwasan, Matulog nang kumpleto, Uminom ng maintenance, No to alcohol, and Ayawan ang cholesterol).
“Make Christmas a season of celebration, and not a season of complication. Eat and drink wisely and have a hassle-free and absolutely happy holiday season and beyond,” she said.
