top of page
anchorheader

‘Binge drinking’ and how it can lead to ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome

  • Writer: Balitang Marino
    Balitang Marino
  • 7 days ago
  • 2 min read
ree

As the holiday season is around the corner and alcoholic beverages may overflow during gatherings, a heart expert has raised the concern of binge drinking and the implications it may bring to health, particularly to the heart.


Dr. Maria Encarnita Limpin, a medical specialist from the Philippine Heart Center, characterized binge drinking as the alcohol consumption of five or more standard drinks within two hours. She also noted that this is classified by the number of drinks consumed, not by alcohol quality.


According to the National Nutrition Survey (NNS), four in every 10 Filipinos (37.9%) are current drinkers, while six in every 10 Filipinos (58.7%) are binge drinkers. The NNS noted that binge and current drinkers are “significantly higher among males.”


With excessive alcohol consumption or binge drinking, Limpin said that this can cause “Holiday Heart Syndrome,” where anyone can develop irregularity in heart rhythm. “If there is a timing on heartbeat, let’s say, it slows down, but in cases of Holiday Heart Syndrome, it is really more on a fast heartbeat,” Limpin said in a media conference on Wednesday.


She also said that HHS’ symptoms include palpitations characterized by rapid and irregular heartbeat, chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, and syncope. Aside from these symptoms, Limpin added that other health problems can occur such as stress, which can cause heart failure.


Limpin said that anyone can experience HHS, even those without existing heart problems. However, she stressed that the chance of contracting this disease “might be lower” for those who have a healthy lifestyle but engage in binge drinking. “The problem is the effect of consumption on a regular basis. Its effect will be cumulative… What you consumed today will add up to what you consumed yesterday,” she said.


According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischemic heart disease, or coronary heart disease was still the leading cause of death of Filipinos.



Comments

bottom of page