How to keep a healthy heart instead of risking holiday heart syndrome

To avoid the risks of holiday heart syndrome, Filipinos are encouraged to practice moderation, debunk the “drink debt” myth, and prioritize hydration during the festive season.

Christmas in the Philippines is a festive occasion that lasts for days. And between family salu-salo and Christmas parties left and right, these joyous moments extend from Christmas Eve all the way to New Year’s.

But with all the merriment, let’s not forget the possible downside to all these festivities—forgetting what moderation looks like. When this happens, a number of dangers can come up, and one of them can be worse than your days-old hangover: holiday heart syndrome.

The lowdown on holiday heart syndrome

It may sound like a jolly concern given its name, but holiday heart syndrome is actually a common form of cardiac arrhythmia caused by excessive drinking in a short period of time.

Studies have seen the association between binge alcohol drinking and atrial fibrillation. Cardiologist Enerose Magno, MD, states that the traditions in Filipino Christmas celebrations tend to put many people at risk. In addition to binge drinking alcohol, Filipino Christmas celebrations often involve excessive eating and staying up late, which can deplete the body’s necessary resources for maintaining optimal health, particularly when there are frequent opportunities for indulgence.

No such thing as “drink debt”

Dr. Enerose emphasizes a rather common quirk that some Pinoys may be guilty of. She notes that while there is a recommended number of bottles of beer per day—one to two for men and one for women—some assume it’s safe to have a “drink debt.”

“Yung iba iniipon yung recommended limit of bottles per day—isang bagsak na inuman—because they tell themselves that it’s drinking for another day,” says Dr. Enerose.

In fact, even if it is not the holiday season, Dr. Enerose cautions that holiday heart syndrome is still something to watch out for. The key idea is excessive drinking in short periods of time. Even those who don’t drink can get holiday heart syndrome. 

How do you prevent holiday heart syndrome?

Moderation is still key—and this goes beyond alcohol.

“If you can avoid drinking more when you’ve already had your allotted or recommended drink count, this is still the best way to steer clear of holiday heart syndrome,” adds Dr. Enerose.

Dr. Enerose reiterates that even in food, moderation rather than restriction is what counts to also allow for festivities. “Tikim hindi lamon,” she says, highlighting how Filipinos can enjoy a little bit of everything on the holiday table, allowing for enjoyment of the feast even in small bites.

Hydration is also key, because studies have shown that in cases of holiday heart health, support that is usually given includes intravenous hydration, electrolytes, and vitamin replacements.

Whether it’s the upcoming New Year’s celebrations or the celebrations into 2026, it appears that the key to proper indulgence is to understand your limits, enjoy small samplings of occasional indulgence, and be intentional when you know you’ve had your share.

 

 

Learn how to identify holiday heart syndrome, why “saving up” your alcohol limit is a dangerous myth, and how to protect your heart while enjoying the festivities.

 

 

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