Prevent Holiday Heart Syndrome: Heart-Protective Tips Revealed

Study Shows Promise in Preventing Holiday Heart Syndrome

Scientists have made a breakthrough in research that could potentially prevent irregular heart rhythms caused by binge drinking , a condition often seen during the festive season known as holiday heart syndrome . The research will be presented at an American Heart Association conference in Chicago . Lead study author Saugat Khanal , a post - doctoral scholar at The Ohio State University , explained that binge drinking can lead to Atrial Fibrillation , the most common type of arrhythmia that can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Heart - Protective Molecule Identified to Prevent Irregular Heartbeats

The team of researchers identified a heart - protective molecule that may prevent the activation of a stress - induced protein in the heart , which is associated with irregular heartbeats caused by binge drinking . The molecule , Alda-1 , was found to reduce the stress protein spike and prevent irregular heartbeats in experiments conducted on mice . The findings still need to be reviewed before being published in a scientific journal . Khanal stated that larger animal studies will be conducted to further translate these findings into clinical applications.

Alcohol Consumption and Heart Function in Menopausal Women

A separate study presented at the American Heart Association 's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2024 highlighted the impact of alcohol consumption on heart function in menopausal women . The study found that alcohol exposure worsens cardiovascular function more in women than in men , particularly in those with higher estrogen levels . Researchers observed changes in heart health measures , including weight gain , fat mass , blood pressure , heart rate , and heart function in rats with and without estrogen replacement who were exposed to regular alcohol consumption.

Caution for Menopausal Women Taking Hormone Replacement Therapy

The lead author of the study , Syed Anees Ahmed , emphasized the significant impact of estrogen on alcohol - induced heart dysfunction in premenopausal and menopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy . The study 's findings suggest that alcohol consumption may contribute to heart dysfunction in women receiving estrogen replacement . The study was conducted on female rats with ovaries removed to simulate menopause , and further research is needed to understand the long - term effects of estrogen and alcohol consumption on heart health in menopausal women.