What Is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

An occasional cocktail or two can add some much-needed happy to your holidays. But overdoing it could lead to more than a hangover. It can also bring on a type of irregular heartbeat, nicknamed "holiday heart syndrome." The condition can make you feel palpitations, like your ticker is skipping beats, pounding, or fluttering. You can also feel dizzy or short of breath.

For some people, holiday heart syndrome is temporary and goes away on its own. But it can be dangerous. Because it can raise your chances for a stroke or heart failure, some people need to be treated to make the heart beat normally again. See your doctor or go to the emergency room if your symptoms don't go away after a few hours. Head to the ER right away if you have chest pain.

To boost your odds of a heart-healthy holiday, cut back on alcohol, salt, and caffeine. And get enough sleep, too.