Holiday heart syndrome

Holiday heart syndrome is an irregular heartbeat pattern presented in individuals who are otherwise healthy. It can be the result of stress, dehydration, and drinking. Sometimes associated with binge drinking, the condition can also occur when individuals consume only moderate amounts of alcohol.

Irregular heartbeats are very serious. If palpitations continue for longer than a few hours patients should seek medical attention. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in holiday heart syndrome and can result in very serious consequences such as stroke, but a variety of changes in the intervals and morphology of the EKG may occur. All symptoms usually resolve themselves within 24 hours.

It is defined as "arrhythmias of the heart, sometimes apparent after a vacation or weekend away from work, following excessive alcohol consumption; usually temporary". The term was coined in 1978.

The syndrome is widely known and commonly occurs in South Africa. Global soccer events tend to influence the number of reported Holiday Heart cases.