For a couple of decades medicine has evidences of which a peak stressfor example that caused by a emotional shock –the loss of a loved one or an adverse sports outcome– can trigger heart disease and end in heart attacks. What is not so well known is that the reverse situation –long celebrations and alcoholic toasts in a context of joy, as occurs these days due to the combination of Christmas parties and World Cup celebrations– can also generate similar stress situationswith serious consequences for heart health.
“At this time, in cardiology there is much talk about the holiday heart syndrome. This is a situation in which cardiac arrhythmias can be triggered, mainly associated with excessive alcohol consumption, ”he told PROFILE Mario Boskis, director of the San Isidro Cardiovascular Institute (ICSI) of the Las Lomas Sanatorium, in Buenos Aires. The cardiologist explained: “When the end of the year parties, social gatherings and, in addition, the celebrations for the recent championship are added, we see that they are all situations associated with alcohol consumption. If this consumption becomes excessive, what usually happens is that you notice an increase in the number of inquiries in the guards or offices of people who arrive with palpitations or tachycardia”.
According to Boskis, if an electro is performed in these cases, it is very common to diagnose the presence of atrial fibrillation, and they are patients who debut with a cardiology pathology and who from that moment on must be followed up by a specialist.
Beyond arrhythmias, acute excess alcohol can generate other dangerous effects on a person’s body: from arterial hypotension to metabolic and respiratory imbalances. That includes symptoms such as vomiting, slow breathing, seizures, and low body temperature. Some, if not treated in time, can lead to death.
Measures not to exceed
If all this is unleashed by the intake of alcoholThe key question is: When does its consumption become excessive? “That depends a lot on the build of each person, their age and also the gender. In principle, what is recommended is not to drink alcohol since it is known to be a substance that affects the proper functioning of heart cells. But the truth is that people tend to drink, and for this reason the best advice is that consumption be moderate”.
That is roughly understood as up to two glasses of wine for men and one for women. Or a can of beer or a measure of up to 40 cm³ of white drink. But all this, of course, can vary depending on age. For example, in children under 18 years of age the current recommendation is zero alcohol. In fact, the Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) expresses it forcefully: “The WHO recommends the complete abstinence in children under 18 years of age and SAP adheres to that recommendation”.
Healthy recipes
Moderation is not only recommended with alcohol but also with calories. “Traditionally, the characteristic preparations of our parties contain more calories. For this reason, it is advisable to incorporate a variety of vegetables in the preparations with the aim of having greater availability: opt for a variety of raw and cooked salads, stuffed or roasted vegetables, vegetable puddings, etc.”, proposes Florencia Salva, nutritionist from the Department of Food and Dietetics at the Hospital de Clínicas de la UBA. And another option that she recommends is to innovate the classic recipes by replacing dressings and meats with healthy options.
“For example, the pancake tower can be made with spinach dough, replace the mayonnaise with spreadable cheese and fill with vegetables. Also leave mayonnaise or cream-based dressings and prefer vegetable-based dressings or sauces made with spices and yogurt, which can be more alternatives. healthy”.
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