VCS Blog
Alcohol, AFib, and the Holidays: What Your Heart Wants You to Know
Holiday gatherings often mean heavier meals, busy schedules, and more alcohol than usual. This may lead to what is known as Holiday Heart Syndrome–a sudden onset of cardiac arrhythmia (most often Atrial Fibrillation or Afib).
This can happen even in people who have no history of heart problems.
What Is Holiday Heart Syndrome?
Holiday Heart Syndrome is an irregular heartbeat that often appears after drinking more alcohol than you normally do. It most often presents as AFib, in which the upper chambers of the heart beat fast and irregularly.
In some emergency room studies, 35% to 62% of AFib cases were linked to recent alcohol use, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Common Symptoms
Call your doctor if you notice:
- A racing, fluttering, or skipping heartbeat
- Trouble catching your breath
- Feeling faint, tired, or light-headed
- Chest pressure or discomfort
- Unusual weight gain or swelling in legs and feet
If these symptoms appear after drinking alcohol, they may be a sign that your heart rhythm has changed.
Why Does It Happen?
Alcohol can irritate the heart’s electrical system. Even a small amount may raise your risk.
Research has shown:
- Each extra drink per day raises AFib risk by about 6–8%
(Sources 1 and 2) - In another study, one drink doubled the chances of having an AFib episode within a few hours.
Other holiday habits can make things worse, such as salty foods, poor sleep, heavy meals, and dehydration. Long term alcohol use can also cause alcoholic cardiomyopathy which is the weakening of the heart muscle and much more serious than holiday heart syndrome.
Insights From Dr. Alex Baher, VCS Electrophysiologist
Dr. Baher explains that alcohol affects the heart faster than most people realize.
“You don’t have to drink heavily or often for your heart rhythm to change,” he says.
“Sometimes it only takes one night. If your heart starts racing or you feel short of breath after drinking, that’s a warning sign.”
He adds: “You can still enjoy the season. Just be mindful of how much you drink, stay hydrated, and get good rest. Small choices make a big difference.”
Is Holiday Heart Syndrome Dangerous?
Sometimes the rhythm goes back to normal on its own. But AFib can increase the risk of:
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Ongoing rhythm problems
Reducing or avoiding alcohol can make a significant impact.
In one study, AFib-related hospital visits dropped from 20% to 9% in people who stopped drinking.
Another large study showed the lowest AFib risk in people who drank fewer than about 7 drinks per week.
How to Lower Your Risk
- Limit or pace your alcohol intake
- Drink water between alcoholic drinks
- Avoid very salty or heavy meals
- Try to get enough sleep
- Pay attention to symptoms, especially after drinking
How VCS Can Help
At Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists, our physicians have decades of expert experience caring for patients with AFib and other arrhythmias. We provide comprehensive evaluation, rhythm monitoring, and evidence-based treatment options, along with clear guidance to help you understand and protect your heart.
Our goal is to offer expert, patient-centered care you can trust, and to help you enjoy your holiday season safely, and understand what your heart is telling you.
If you’ve felt your heart race, skip beats, or become irregular after drinking—even once—it’s worth getting checked.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Published November 25, 2025