LONDON — Festival season is full of excitement, but it can also take a toll on your heart—especially for those with existing health conditions, warns a leading cardiologist.
Dr. Gosia Wamil, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, says long hours of standing, dancing, or walking at festivals can strain the heart. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes should be particularly cautious.
Heart Risks at Festivals
For those with heart failure, overexertion can worsen symptoms like shortness of breath. Those with coronary artery disease—where heart arteries narrow or block—risk chest pain or even a heart attack from sudden intense activity.
Warning signs of heart trouble include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or nausea
- Cold sweats or fainting
“Never ignore these symptoms,” Dr. Wamil stresses. “Seek medical help immediately.”
Noise & Heart Health
Loud music at concerts and festivals can also impact the heart. Short-term noise spikes blood pressure and heart rate by triggering the body’s stress response. Long-term exposure may raise the risk of chronic heart disease.
Alcohol, Caffeine & “Holiday Heart Syndrome”
Overdoing alcohol, caffeine, or salty snacks can lead to atrial fibrillation—an irregular heartbeat—even in healthy people.
“Alcohol is toxic to heart muscle and can spike blood pressure,” Dr. Wamil explains. “For heart patients, binge drinking can trigger heart failure or a heart attack.”
Safety Tips for Festival-Goers
Dr. Wamil advises people with heart disease or diabetes to:
- Take medications on time
- Carry medical ID, water, and snacks
- Wear comfortable shoes and take breaks
- Stay near crowd edges for easy exit
“Overheating, dehydration, and sudden exertion in crowds can be dangerous,” she says. “Choose shaded, quieter spots when possible.”
General Advice for Everyone
- Drink plenty of water
- Balance activity with rest
- Eat healthy foods when possible
- Keep phones charged for emergencies
“Enjoy the fun, but listen to your body,” says Dr. Wamil. “A little caution goes a long way.”
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