Diagnosis of Holiday-Heart Syndrome
In addition to anamnesis, clinical and instrumental diagnostics can be considered. In this context, it is important for the physician to determine the possible trigger factors: Alcohol consumption during excessive partying combined with cardiac symptoms, as described above. In the course of apparative diagnostics, the attending physician uses the ECG. Irregular or irregular time intervals and possibly asynchronous excitation of the heart between the atrium and the ventricle (e.g. lack of p-wave) are noticeable.
Therapy of the Holiday-Heart Syndrome
Therapeutically, in addition to the possibility of drug-based anticoagulation (“blood thinning”), there is also the frequency control procedure. Here, one relies on the effect of specific antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone. Standard anticoagulant preparations such as ASA etc.
can be used. The Holiday Heart Syndrome with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation can also be treated surgically. Here, the aim is to reduce the triggering of atrial fibrillation by ablation (“sclerotherapy”) of the detected atrial cells.
As a prophylactic measure, a balanced lifestyle with moderate stress and a healthy diet are recommended. In the long run, high-fat and low-fiber foods lead to those clinical pictures which, as pre-existing conditions, favor Holiday Heart Syndrome.Prophylactically, a few basic rules can also be laid down. In summer, avoid staying in the midday heat between 11 and 15 o’clock. Especially the interaction of strong sunlight and the consumption of alcoholic beverages and energy drinks puts a heavy strain on the heart. When celebrating, you should take care to drink water or unsweetened teas as well as alcohol as a balance.
Prognosis and duration of Holiday-Heart Syndrome
Normally, rhythm normalization occurs within 48 hours to a maximum of 7 days. As a rule, Holiday Heart Syndrome is a prognostically favorable clinical picture. Since it mainly affects people with structurally healthy hearts, it appears to be an acute stress reaction of the heart, which is not directly life-threatening if it does not lead to complications.
A spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm when atrial fibrillation occurs can be observed in most cases. Nevertheless, in a few cases and precisely when excessive partying and other everyday stress without recovery phases continue for a long time, secondary heart diseases such as persistent atrial fibrillation can occur.
