MANILA — Drinking alcohol during the holidays may be festive, but think twice before downing that next glass or bottle because binge drinking may lead to Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS), the Department of Health warned Thursday.

HHS is a condition where the heartbeat becomes irregular due to excessive drinking.

Ano ang holiday heart syndrome?
ALAMIN: Mga sintomas ng 'holiday heart syndrome'

DOH Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo said binge drinking can "confuse" parts of the heart.

“Kung ito 'yung puso, 'yung bandang taas yung atria, 'yung baba yung ventricle,” he said while holding his fist up.

“Yung atria mayroon 'yang sarili niyang para bang tibok. Pagka masyadong marami ang inom ng alak, binge drinking, nalilito 'yung puso, 'yung sinasabing firing center kung saan nagkakaroon ng pulso doon sa taas ng puso. Nalilito siya at 'yung bandang taas para bang pabugso-bugso 'yung kanyang pagtibok which is not good,” he said.

Irregular heartbeat is alarming and dangerous for the brain, said Domingo.

“Tandaan natin ang puso natin, 'yan ay nagsisilbing bomba, pump ng ating dugo,” he said.  

“Pag tumigil ang tibok, eh di tigok… Kahit ba hindi tumigil 'yung tibok, pero nagkaproblema sa tibok ng puso, maaari ka pa ring matigok dahil kapag 'yung daloy ng pinaka-dugo natin ay para bang pabugso-bugso dahil nga nagkaroon ng irregular heartbeat, delikado po 'yun sa ating utak," he added.

Eksperto may payo para sa maayos na 'drinking habits'

This is why the DOH is warning against binge drinking.

“Dapat hindi lalagpas sa isang bote ng beer o kaya isang baso ng alak o kaya isang shot ng liquor yung hard drinks na sinasabi… 'Pag lumagpas ka ng one per hour, binge na yun,” Domingo said. “Siyempre ang posisyon namin, any amount is not acceptable dapat hindi tayo umiinom.” 

In case of HHS, Domingo urged the public to seek immediate help and rush to the nearest hospital.

NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

The DOH is also monitoring acute complications of noncommunicable diseases, particularly stroke, acute coronary syndrome or heart attack and bronchial asthma.

A total of 47 stroke cases were logged in the country from December 21 to 25, 2024. There were also 31 heart attack cases and 29 cases of asthma.

'Hinay-hinay': DOH warns vs too much salty, fatty, sweet treats this holiday season

Those with asthma are reminded to be careful of fireworks and firecrackers because the powder can trigger an attack.

The DOH said eating healthy and exercising are the best ways to avoid various medical conditions.