DOH Speaks on Holiday Heart Syndrome Amidst Left & Right Gatherings
HOLIDAY HEART SYNDROME – The Department of Health (DOH) warned against the binge drinking this holiday season.
The Philippines has one of the longest celebrations of the holiday season. As early as September, many Filipinos are already excited and start planning out the food and drinks for the upcoming celebration and gatherings of family and friends. Undeniably, the food and drinks are the top concerns in many households.
While some Filipinos consider the Christmas tipid tips to get away from going outside of the budget, truth be told that many Pinoys really see to it that there are more than enough food and drinks on the table for everyone. Thus, overeating and binge drinking are also around the corner.
However, while the holiday season is a good time to celebrate, it is also important to be extra cautious when it comes to your food in-take and drinking sessions. The Department of Health (DOH) warns the public about the Holiday Heart Syndrome or the HHS.
Many Filipinos surely have yet to hear about the Holiday Heart Syndrome or also popularly called HHS. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the Department of Health described it as a health condition caused by binge drinking.
Truth be told that binge drinking happens to so many people during the holiday season because of the celebrations that come left and right. According to DOH, this health condition causes irregular heartbeat due to excessive drinking.
The health department’s Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson, Albert Domingo, explained that the atria which is located on the upper portion of the heart has its own beat. According to him, when binge drinking happens, there is a possibility that the heart, specifically the so-called “firing center” where there is a pulse, may get confused.
“Nalilito siya at ‘yung bandang taas para bang pabugso-bugso ‘yung kanyang pagtibok which is not good,” Domingo said.
Based on the report, while Holiday Heart Syndrome is non-communicable or cannot be transmitted, it can be fatal. DOH Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo stressed that irregular heartbeat is dangerous for the health.
Domingo further stressed that whether or not the heart will stop pumping blood, it can still be fatal as irregular heartbeat can be dangerous to the brain. With regards to how much is too much when drinking, the DOH Assistant Secretary stressed that one glass of a hard drink must be enough.
In case of Holiday Heart Syndrome, Domingo suggests to bring the patient to the nearest hospital right away. Aside from the HHS, the health department is also monitoring cases of stroke, acute coronary syndrome or heart attack and bronchial asthma during the holiday season.