Alcohol and increased heart rate - Heart Disorders Message Board

janeg · 07-19-2002, 10:17 AM

Does anyone else out there experience an elevated heart rate as a result of even moderate alcohol intake? It took me awhile to figure it out, but it seems that drinking just 2 or 3 beers will cause my heart rate to significantly elevate and remain elevated for hours. My normal at rest heart rate is about 70, but it will increase to around 100 after a I drink. Whenever this happens at night, it will take me hours to fall asleep.

For awhile I was attributing it to salty food, but now I think it's just the alcohol. Has anyone ever heard of this? I haven't yet experimented with different types of alcholol to eliminate a specific problem with beer, but I assume it wouldn't matter.

I should mention that I have mitrol valve prolapse.

Thanks.

lno · 07-24-2002, 07:21 AM

That's a definite YES, alcohol can raise heart rate in some people. I happen to be one of those people, therefore, I do not have any alcoholic drinks at all. It's too scarey & draining. I also get very bad PVC's & PAC's from alcohol. So, I just figure it's better not to agrivate my "sensitive heart". I've suffered PAC's & PVC's for over 40 years, still alive, take Inderal which works best for me. Tried other beta blockers, gave me sleep problems, etc. So I just stick to what works for me. Inderal & Quinidex together help, BUT DO NOT completely take the irregularities away. I've just learned when I'm stressed or tired, I'm sure going to be bothered more w/my heart thing. Used to suffer from sinus tachy, but the beta blocker helps that also. I still get a jolt of tachy. for a few seconds, but this also has a name, can't think of it right now, but it's very irregular & rapid for 10-15 seconds & soooooooo scarey. I've tried for so many years to ignore these symptoms, but, I don't think anyone who is sensitive, can completely ignore their heart doing wierd things. At any rate, just wanted to let you know you are certainly not alone w/this rapid heart rate from alcohol. Try having a social 1/2 glass & see if this bothers you. My only suggestion for the day. I get so much out of this board & the help from our "M.D. to be, Aerosmith, is greatly appreciated. Have a great day, it is a gift to enjoy.

janeg · 11-05-2002, 03:01 PM

Hi Jackie,

So sorry for the delayed response. I had meant to reply when I first received notification of your reply, and just completely forgot after that.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions. I'd never heard of this happening to anyone else, and when I asked my doctor about it, he said it was more likely that caffeine would cause something like that.

Anyway, I'll just have to be more careful or suffer.

Jane

CRJ · 11-06-2002, 07:32 PM

I have the same experience. I'm particularly sensitive to wine. I'm 45 and decided earlier this year to stop drinking alcohol, once I established the relationship betweem drinking and my heart performance. I also experience PVC's on a regular basis and have had numerous evaluations by several cardiologists, all results come back negative, my condition is attributed to stress. I continue to exercise and have recently started reading about and practicing Zen ideas and meditation techniques, which I find to be calming.

lno · 11-09-2002, 09:21 AM

Yes, caffeine is a known culprate. However, in a Mayo Clinic report recently, a study shows alcohol will increase heart rate. Those suffering from palpitations could be at risk for increased symptoms. Wine really gives me increased problems about 1-2 hrs. after consumption, so, I just stay away from all alcohol. I will drink 1/4 the alcohol to a mixed drink to be social and sip on it for 1 hr. This happens about twice a year. I also have found adrenal functions can really cause added problems for me. If I get excited or scared (any emotion) the adrenal gland must be very sensitive in me because I can have PVC's the rest of the day or night when my emotions are tampered with. The best thing to do is try to relax as much as possible. Deep breathing techniques and yoga are very good for relaxing the whole mind/body connection. Have a good weekend.

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