Health First cardiologist Dr. Kevin Campbell: AFib cases spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s
WATCH: While December is filled with tradition, connection, and indulgence, it is also one of the busiest times for cardiac issues—including a condition known as “holiday heart.” (Health First video)
BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA — As Brevard County families are gearing up for celebrations, travel, and long-awaited gatherings, Health First is encouraging the community to be mindful of an unexpected risk that emerges each year during this otherwise joyful season.
While December is filled with tradition, connection, and indulgence, it is also one of the busiest times for cardiac issues—including a condition known as “holiday heart.”
Dr. Kevin R. Campbell, MD, FACC, MBA, CPE, chair of medicine at Viera Hospital and a Health First cardiologist, has seen the seasonal trend for years. In fact, he explains that “holiday heart” has been recognized in medicine since the late 1970s.
The term refers to cardiac rhythm disturbances, most commonly atrial fibrillation, that often appear when people overeat, overdrink, or experience unusually high stress during holiday celebrations.
“It really describes a syndrome where, because of the overindulgence and stress that come with this time of year, people develop cardiac arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation,” Campbell said. “AFib is the most common heart rhythm problem in the whole world, and we see cases spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.”
While the condition is often associated with people who already have heart disease, Campbell stressed that even those with no cardiac history can be affected.
“You can be a normally healthy person, but binge drinking or eating very rich foods can trigger atrial fibrillation,” he explained. “Everyone has the potential to develop AFib—even once—if the right set of circumstances lines up.”
Symptoms can vary, but most people notice something isn’t right, and you may feel a fast, irregular heartbeat.
“You may be dizzy or lightheaded, weak or tired. Sometimes people describe feeling washed out. And sometimes, it’s just a sense that something is off.” Campbell encouraged people to check their own pulse if they feel concerned. “If it’s irregular, that’s a red flag,” he added.
And when in doubt, he urged the community not to wait too long to seek care.
“If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or if the symptoms have been going on for more than an hour, you should probably be seen in a hospital,” he said. “Calling 911 is always a safe choice—you’re never wrong to take these symptoms seriously.”
For those with a history of heart conditions, the holidays can pose an even bigger challenge. Overeating often includes foods high in sodium, which can worsen heart failure symptoms.
“In people with congestive heart failure, eating too much salt or dramatically changing the way they eat can exacerbate symptoms and land them in the hospital,” Campbell said. “We see it every holiday season.”
Cardiac events in general, including heart attacks, also tend to increase at this time of year.
“It is a prime period for heart attacks,” he noted. “And if you think about it, it makes sense. We’re overeating, drinking more than usual, and there’s a tremendous amount of stress. You’ve got family stressors, financial pressures,and the end-of-year deadlines at work. It all adds up.”
Yet despite the risks, Campbell emphasized that his goal is not to discourage anyone from celebrating, but rather to remind people to enjoy the season thoughtfully.
“Moderation is really the key,” he said. “If you’re at a holiday party, have a little bit of everything. Enjoy the cocktails, but instead of having ten, have one or two. Savor the moment without going overboard.”
One of the simplest ways to stay healthy, he added, is to stay properly hydrated. Alcohol—no matter the type—is dehydrating.
“It’s a diuretic,” he explained. “You’ll find yourself going to the bathroom more often when you’re drinking. That dehydration, especially in brain cells, is what contributes to feeling awful the next day.”
His recommendation is straightforward: “For every alcoholic drink, follow it with a full bottle of water. Not only does it prevent dehydration, but it fills you up and naturally helps you eat and drink less.”
Physical activity plays a major role as well, and it doesn’t have to be strenuous. “The CDC recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week,” Campbell said. “That’s absolutely doable. It could be walking, swimming, biking — whatever people enjoy. The point is to keep moving, even when the calendar gets hectic.”
And perhaps just as important as physical health is emotional well-being. Campbell encouraged everyone to set aside a moment of calm each day. “Take a moment, whether it’s to meditate, whether it’s to just sit and think, go, sit outside on your lanai or on your front porch.
Work takes that minute every day where nobody’s around, the kids aren’t around, the in-laws are around, it’s time that you can just take a moment for yourself, and I think if you do those four things, you’re going to be in a lot better shape.
As holiday traditions take shape throughout the Space Coast, Health First encourages everyone to keep heart health in mind so they can fully enjoy the season with the people who matter most. Whether gathering with family, reconnecting with old friends, or celebrating with neighbors, taking simple steps to stay healthy ensures we’re present for the moments that bring us together.
Campbell hopes that by raising awareness early in the season, residents can avoid unnecessary emergencies and keep their holidays joyful and safe.
“This time of year should be fun,” he said. “We just want people to be mindful. Take care of your heart so you can fully enjoy your holidays. With a little balance and awareness, you can celebrate without putting yourself at risk.”
As Brevard County settles into the festive season, Health First remains committed to supporting the community with education, care and resources that help everyone stay healthy through the holidays and into the new year.
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