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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Holiday Heart diagnosis.
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Holiday Heart diagnosis.
by Benjamin Graham, Oct 08, 1999 12:00AM
I will attempt to be brief but complete. Here is a quick case history of my fainting:
1992: Age 17
Had a couple of drinks, donated blood, and felt fine. The next day, while driving, I experienced tunnel vision, faintness, and a debilitating headache that lasted several hours.
1996: Age 21
After St. Patrick's Day, went to work and began feeling incredibly hot despite cold temperature. Feeling of weakness was followed by tunnel vision and disorientation until fainting, felt fine after waking up in mall, assumed was a result of over-indulgence.
1999: Age 23 (approx. six months ago)
After having three or four drinks, fainted the next day while eating dinner, receiving pretty good knock on the head from radiator. Sought medical advice, including ECG, CAT scan, EEG, and blood tests for glucose levels. Tests showed no problems of any kind.
1999: After night of binge drinking, felt like fainting but feeling left after laying down. Went out and ended up almost fainting in parking lot. Dizziness and extremely high body temperature, combined with almost paralyzing exhaustion caused me to go to hospital emergency.
At my most recent visit to the hospital, my blood sugar showed normal, as did a second ECG. The doctor diagnosed me, through a process of elimination, with "holiday heart" which I assume is a type of arrhythmia. He described the phenomenon as being a racing heart with a shallow beat that cannot push blood to my brain, causing fainting, and being triggered by alcohol consumption.
I have poor eating habits, smoke a pack a day, drink over two liters of coffee daily, and drink alcohol fairly regularly. The only drug I take is salbutomol for my asthma, and corticosteroid creams for eczema occasionally. I am in good health despite my lifestyle and the limited exercise I get.
My questions are: Does this diagnosis sound correct based on my information? There is no history of heart problems in my family or my history. Should I try to see a cardiologist, and would he be able to pinpoint a diagnosis? I have quit drinking cold turkey, and would like to know if this is a requirement for my health, or just a good precaution. Finally, what are the potential complications of suffering this ailment, specifically if I did not quit drinking or if I suffered fainting more regularly.
I am concerned that my condition may be more severe than I realize, and have failed to find useful information. Opinions would be appreciated.
1992: Age 17
Had a couple of drinks, donated blood, and felt fine. The next day, while driving, I experienced tunnel vision, faintness, and a debilitating headache that lasted several hours.
1996: Age 21
After St. Patrick's Day, went to work and began feeling incredibly hot despite cold temperature. Feeling of weakness was followed by tunnel vision and disorientation until fainting, felt fine after waking up in mall, assumed was a result of over-indulgence.
1999: Age 23 (approx. six months ago)
After having three or four drinks, fainted the next day while eating dinner, receiving pretty good knock on the head from radiator. Sought medical advice, including ECG, CAT scan, EEG, and blood tests for glucose levels. Tests showed no problems of any kind.
1999: After night of binge drinking, felt like fainting but feeling left after laying down. Went out and ended up almost fainting in parking lot. Dizziness and extremely high body temperature, combined with almost paralyzing exhaustion caused me to go to hospital emergency.
At my most recent visit to the hospital, my blood sugar showed normal, as did a second ECG. The doctor diagnosed me, through a process of elimination, with "holiday heart" which I assume is a type of arrhythmia. He described the phenomenon as being a racing heart with a shallow beat that cannot push blood to my brain, causing fainting, and being triggered by alcohol consumption.
I have poor eating habits, smoke a pack a day, drink over two liters of coffee daily, and drink alcohol fairly regularly. The only drug I take is salbutomol for my asthma, and corticosteroid creams for eczema occasionally. I am in good health despite my lifestyle and the limited exercise I get.
My questions are: Does this diagnosis sound correct based on my information? There is no history of heart problems in my family or my history. Should I try to see a cardiologist, and would he be able to pinpoint a diagnosis? I have quit drinking cold turkey, and would like to know if this is a requirement for my health, or just a good precaution. Finally, what are the potential complications of suffering this ailment, specifically if I did not quit drinking or if I suffered fainting more regularly.
I am concerned that my condition may be more severe than I realize, and have failed to find useful information. Opinions would be appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Oct 08, 1999 12:00AM
"Holiday heart" refers to a condition seen in binge drinkers where a fast heart rate and low heart output develop due to the overindulgence which can lead to fainting. It can effect anyone regardless of age or family backround and if repeated binging continues could lead to irreversible heart damage. I commend you on your decision to quit drinking. I think you body has been telling you something and you are wise to listen. I would also suggest putting down the cigarettes as well. The big tobacco companies will not like it but your lungs will thank you.
Member Comments (3)
by Mark, Oct 09, 1999 12:00AM
What kind of heart damage is possible from this?
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Oct 11, 1999 12:00AM
Usually no damage from just a couple of episodes. However if the binging continues a cardiomyopathy may result.
