Arrhythmia and alcohol: how does alcohol affect you and can you drink it?

Alcohol and arrhythmia

Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after.
HM. Berbekova, Faculty of Medicine (KBSU) Level of education – Specialist

State educational institution "Institute for Advanced Medical Studies" of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Chuvashia

Everyone knows the harm alcoholic drinks cause to the human body. And even consumption in small quantities can have a negative effect on the human body, especially on internal organs. Often, while drinking alcohol or on the day of a hangover, a person feels uneven heartbeats, as if it were stopping. That is, the heart rhythm is disturbed, which entails the occurrence of arrhythmia. This occurs due to the circulation of a large number of toxic products in the blood.

Arrhythmia after alcohol occurs in 100% of cases. Therefore, you should not neglect doctors’ prohibitions, especially for those people who suffer from heart disease. After all, the consequences of alcohol can be serious, including acute cerebrovascular accident or viral infections with a fatal outcome.

What to do if your heart rate is high and you have a hangover

It often happens that heartbeat disturbances occur the next day after drinking alcohol. There are several ways to eliminate the discomfort of a hangover:

take a deep breath and do not exhale for as long as possible;
open the window, ventilate the room;
unfasten tight clothing parts;
take a bowl of cold water and immerse your face in it for 15 seconds;
take Valerian, Motherwort or another mild sedative;
reduce the degree of ethanol poisoning using activated carbon or other sorbent;
Press your fingers on your eyelids and hold for a while.

These methods often help stop an attack of tachycardia at home, but they can only be repeated 3-4 times. If there is no effectiveness, you should call a doctor.

Mineral water without gas will help relieve intoxication and normalize the balance of fluids and microelements in the body; if you don’t have it on hand, use plain water with the addition of a slice of lemon and salt. Hangover is relieved with green tea with chamomile and mint. Tomato and orange juice, kvass, kefir or cucumber pickle will also help.

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If arrhythmia after alcohol is not stopped by simple means, and the pulse exceeds 110 beats/min, then it’s time for professional help:

administration of solutions intravenously (polarizing mixture, glucose with sodium chloride);
selective beta blockers (“Serdol”);
ACE inhibitors (Ramipril);
calcium blockers (“Amlodipine”);
forced diuresis to remove toxins from the body.

When arrhythmia develops with a hangover, you should not take medications that are incompatible with alcohol:

"Anaprilin" (can cause a significant decrease in heart rate);
“Corvalol”, “Valocordin” and other drugs with phenobarbital, they increase the toxic effect on the heart;
“Afobazole” and other drugs in this series will not help you calm down, and sometimes cause a reverse reaction.

Effect of alcohol on the heart

Alcohol is absolutely contraindicated for cardiac arrhythmia. Ethyl alcohol negatively affects the rate of electrical conduction of the myocardium, as well as its functional abilities. In the process of drinking alcoholic beverages, the patient's heart rate increases with periodic freezing of beats. Accordingly, at a certain point the disease will worsen and lead to irreversible changes.

In a healthy person, arrhythmia after drinking alcohol may not manifest itself immediately, but later, after an indefinite number of doses taken. Alcohol slowly and surely weakens the heart muscle and poisons the human body. Due to a decrease in the conductivity of myocardial cells, the rhythm of contractions, blood circulation and oxygen saturation are disrupted.

What to do if arrhythmia occurs during a hangover?

Rapid heartbeat is a dangerous symptom that indicates a malfunction of the heart muscle.
The development of the pathological process is influenced by several factors. Tachycardia with a hangover can occur due to alcohol abuse. What needs to be done to normalize a person’s condition and how to prevent the development of pathology? Basically, alcoholic arrhythmia occurs during prolonged binge drinking and alcohol abuse. If you already have heart problems, the likelihood of tachycardia occurring in the morning is much higher.

Once ingested, the ethyl alcohol contained in booze negatively affects the state of the cardiovascular system. During consumption, alcohol dilates blood vessels. After a few hours, they sharply narrow.

Drinking speeds up your heart rate. With regular and excessive consumption of alcohol-containing drinks, the walls of blood vessels are destroyed, and red blood cells die. As a result of systematic binge drinking, blood thickening occurs, metabolism slows down and hemodynamics are disrupted.

Damage to blood vessels often results in hemorrhages, the scale of which depends on the condition of the heart muscle and the amount of alcohol consumed. Ethyl alcohol sometimes causes cardiac hypoxia, which can lead to heart failure.

In some cases, the patient may not notice changes in pulsation due to a deterioration in the general condition.

Arrhythmia with a hangover occurs after vasospasm caused by ethanol. The heart muscle needs to contract more often to pump out the required amount of blood.

In a healthy person, the pulsation at rest is no more than 90 beats per minute. The indicators of an alcoholic may be 10-20 units higher. In this case, the human heart muscle wears out faster.

If left untreated, the patient's condition worsens and arrhythmia can occur even during sleep.

A rapid heartbeat from a hangover can also provoke arterial hypertension (increased blood pressure more than 140/90 mm Hg). This effect is associated with an increase in the release of blood, as a result of which the pressure on the walls of the arteries increases. Both phenomena are usually interrelated.

The development of tachycardia can be accelerated by:

overweight;
smoking;
exposure to certain medications;
caffeine abuse;
hormonal surges;
VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia);
weakened immunity.

If there are disturbances in the functioning of the heart muscle, refusal of treatment can provoke the development of more serious pathologies. Therefore, timely prescribed therapy will avoid dangerous complications.

Having discovered symptoms of arrhythmia, a person should contact a cardiologist who can determine the patient’s condition and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

Irregular heart rhythm negatively affects the entire body. Tachycardia interferes with the normal flow of oxygen and various nutrients to the organs. As a result, oxygen starvation may occur, and the heart wears out faster.

Tachycardia can contribute to the development of:

heart failure;
ischemic stroke;
pulmonary edema;
acute myocardial infarction;
and disrupt blood circulation in the brain.

In extremely severe cases, the pathological process causes cardiac arrest and death.

With any arrhythmia, complications are likely in the form of fibrillation (discrete contraction of the muscle fibers of the heart) and flutter of the cardiac ventricles. These manifestations can lead to death for the patient.

In the first seconds a person is faced with:

dizziness;
severe weakness;
involuntary urination;
loss of consciousness;
convulsions.

Further, blood pressure and pulsation cannot be determined. The patient stops breathing and the pupils dilate. Clinical death occurs.

If arrhythmia during a hangover manifests itself acutely, you must seek emergency medical help.

Before doctors arrive, a person needs:

free the upper chest and neck from clothing;
take a horizontal position;
Place your legs on the pillow so that they are higher than your body.

What else can you do if your heart is beating fast with a hangover? Holding your breath will help normalize your heart rate. You need to take a deep breath and not breathe for 10 seconds.

Some people recommend putting your face in cold water for 15-20 seconds. Light pressure on the eyelids for 20 seconds can alleviate the patient's condition. Each element must be performed 3-4 times.

Tachycardia is a fairly common symptom of hangover, especially among people who regularly drink alcohol. It manifests itself due to the production of large amounts of adrenaline and changes in electrolyte balance.

In case of heart rhythm disturbances, a cardiologist may prescribe:

Beta blockers. The drugs reduce pulsation and pressure;
ACE inhibitors. They also slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Medicines prevent vasoconstriction.
Calcium antagonists. They favor the expansion of coronary arteries and normalize myocardial nutrition.
Sedative medications. They have a calming effect on the nervous system and also eliminate feelings of fear and anxiety. This category of drugs is suitable for complications of VSD during heavy drinking.
Hepatotropic medications. Used as an auxiliary element to normalize the state of the digestive system. They are distinguished by wound-healing, antioxidant and anti-ischemic properties.
Diuretic medications. They help remove excess fluid, facilitating the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Combined formulations.

Hepatotropic and sedative medications are safe for humans. The remaining drugs have a pronounced antiarrhythmic effect, so they can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Combining antibiotics with alcohol is strictly prohibited. This combination can provoke many negative reactions and reduce the effectiveness of drug therapy.

What to do in case of arrhythmia with a hangover at home? Traditional medicine offers effective, time-tested recipes. Unlike medications, herbal-based medications have a milder effect and almost do not cause negative reactions. These remedies gradually normalize the condition of the nervous system and heart.

There are several popular recipes that will help cope with heart rhythm disturbances:

50 g of motherwort should be poured into 0.5 liters of boiled water and covered with a napkin for 2 hours. After the medicine has infused, it must be strained and drunk 3 times a day, 50 ml. Eating motherwort will help normalize pulsation, calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality.
30 g of a mixture of hawthorn, valerian, linden, arnica and motherwort should be poured with one glass of boiling water. The liquid is infused for 2 hours and consumed twice a day, 50 ml. The composition normalizes the functioning of the heart muscle.

You can also use mint and lemon balm tea to relieve tension. Its use will normalize pulsation. The remedy will also be useful for anemia (anemia). It is recommended to drink tea twice a day, 1 cup.

Before starting therapy with folk remedies, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist. If adverse reactions occur during treatment, you should stop taking the medication and be sure to consult a doctor.

With tachycardia, it is dangerous to take drinks that excite the nervous system. During this period, physical activity is contraindicated. If you have arrhythmia, you should avoid visiting the sauna and bathhouse, as well as drinking coffee or energy drinks.

In order to prevent an increase in heart rate after drinking, experts advise drinking strong drinks in a calm environment. If you are in an agitated or exhausted state, you should avoid alcohol or minimize its dosage. This will reduce the load on the heart muscle.

The following recommendations will help you avoid unpleasant consequences:

You should drink alcohol after meals - this will minimize the harmful effects of ethanol not only on the heart muscle, but also on all body systems.
You should drink little by little to minimize the stress on your heart.
Persons with hypertension are recommended to take no more than 40 ml of pure ethyl alcohol.

Medicines that normalize heart rhythm should not be taken after alcohol. It should also be understood that tachycardia is a reason to consult a cardiologist and, if necessary, undergo an examination.

Can a person drink alcohol with tachycardia? Alcohol can cause the development of heart pathology even in an absolutely healthy person. Any ailment of the cardiovascular system is a serious reason to give up drinking.

Source: https://stopdrink.info/silno-byetsya-serdtse-s-pokhmelya/

Causes of arrhythmia

Over time and age, cardiac arrhythmia manifests itself in everyone without exception. Therefore, you don’t have to be an experienced alcoholic; it’s enough to drink a little on holidays in company for problems with a vital organ to appear. Arrhythmia during alcohol intoxication or a hangover occurs for several reasons:

The conductivity and speed of nerve impulses of the heart muscle are disrupted. It becomes difficult for the organ to pump blood and function properly, and heart failure develops. Significant changes occur in myocardial cells.
The action of the end products of ethanol breakdown provokes the development of serious complications in the body. They react with the chemical composition of the blood, as a result of which nutrient metabolism, ionic and acid balance are disrupted. The uniform and synchronous transmission of nerve impulses undergoes great changes, which negatively affects the activity of the heart.

Is arrhythmia possible from alcohol?

Excessive drinking of alcohol negatively affects the functioning of the heart, and the amount drunk is of particular importance. Ethanol entering the blood remains in the vessels for 6-7 hours, all the time negatively affecting the human body.

Acting as a natural solvent, it destroys the membrane of cell membranes and provokes the accumulation of calcium and sodium in the cell (there is no potassium). This disorder leads to electrolyte imbalance. Damaged cells cannot properly influence the myocardium, their conductivity decreases. The heart muscle changes its sensitivity, its automaticity is suppressed.

After exposure to ethanol:

There is an electrolyte imbalance.
The sensitivity of the sinoatrial node decreases and its automaticity is suppressed.
The heart rhythm is disturbed as additional foci appear that supply impulses.

In the atrial fibrillation form, disturbances in the functioning of the organ can provoke heart failure and death.

In special cases, drinking alcohol can have the opposite effect, that is, reduce the existing arrhythmia. This condition is quite rare and is possible with certain heart diseases (ventricular tachycardia).

The effect is due to the ability of ethanol to suppress the automaticity of lower-order nodes, while the sinoatrial node again begins to supply impulses. But this phenomenon is not normal for the functioning of the heart: subsequently, the risk of recurrence of arrhythmia increases many times over.

Atrial fibrillation (fibrillation of both atria) is expressed in chaotic and spontaneous contraction of muscle fibers in both atria. Constantly flashing impulses disrupt the proper functioning of the heart, increasing the number of contractions and reducing the volume of blood filling the ventricles.

Excessive drinking of alcohol often leads to the development of this pathology or aggravates an existing one: its duration increases, and symptoms increase. With alcohol intoxication, atrial fibrillation is characterized by:

Heart rhythm disturbances, which can be defined as the primary sign of developing cardiomyopathy.
A decrease in pressure, at which the filling of the ventricles with blood is disrupted.
The occurrence of vegetative crises, accompanied by sweating, difficulty breathing, tremors of the limbs and general weakness of the patient.

It should be noted that disturbances appear within 6-7 hours after the first dose of alcohol. The severity of the attack directly depends on the amount of alcohol consumed. After removing the intoxication of the body, the arrhythmia disappears completely or its symptoms are significantly reduced.

Symptoms

Arrhythmia resulting from alcohol consumption should go away on its own within a few hours, provided that the person is healthy and does not have any heart disease. However, in some situations, arrhythmia becomes life-threatening. Therefore, if a person exhibits at least one of the symptoms due to alcohol intoxication or a hangover, it is necessary to urgently call a doctor or an ambulance:

dyspnea;
dizziness or fainting;
fear of death;
weakness;
chest pain.

Types of interaction between alcohol and arrhythmia

Cases have been recorded when alcohol had a beneficial effect on a patient with arrhythmia - it normalized the heart rhythm and reduced pain. Substances that alcohol contains weaken significant excitability in the heart muscle and normalize the heartbeat. However, this effect lasted for some time. The analgesic effect of alcoholic drinks is associated with their effect on the nervous system, but it does not relieve spasms of the arteries of the heart. Therefore, a decrease in pain in the cardiac region is not a sign of normalization of myocardial blood circulation.

However, alcohol does more harm to the body than good. During the action of ethanol on the conduction system of the heart, toxic breakdown products of alcohol are formed, on which the manifestation of arrhythmia depends. There is also a risk of atrial fibrillation - frequent and chaotic contraction of the myocardium from 300 to 700 beats/min. As a result, the person’s condition deteriorates sharply. If first aid is not provided promptly, sudden death may occur.

Consequences of drinking alcohol in atrial fibrillation

Changes in heart rhythm in the form of uncoordinated twitching of muscle fibers (atrial fibrillation) are detected in every fifth patient with frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages, most often occurring in a severe form. Distinctive features of the course of atrial fibrillation in alcoholism:

Abnormalities in contraction frequency occur as the first sign of cardiomyopathy.
An attack (paroxysm) of fibrillation or tachycardia develops in the first 6 hours after taking ethanol.

Arrhythmia occurs with a drop in blood pressure and acute cardiac failure.
Autonomic crises develop - sweating, body trembling, difficulty breathing, cold hands and feet, sudden weakness.
The severity of the attack is directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed.
With frequent drinking of alcohol, atrial fibrillation becomes permanent.
After treatment for alcoholism, the rhythm disturbance disappears or its manifestations decrease.

Harmful effects

A person learns about the consequences of alcohol only after some time, after repeated use. The connection between the nervous system and the cardiovascular system is disrupted, which causes the following problems:

the release of hormones into the blood increases: dopamine, angiotensin and norepinephrine, which cause overexcitation of the heart;
there is excessive sensitivity of the myocardium to the hormone of stress and excitation (norepinephrine);
over time, the increased excitability of the heart becomes stronger, the diseased organ begins to respond to the weakest irritations;
increased release of these hormones entails increased pressure in the arteries, impaired blood circulation in the myocardial vessels, which lose their tone and elasticity;
the risks of myocardial infarction, stroke or sudden death increase significantly. Moreover, this happens to both elderly and young people.

A person is responsible for his own health, so whether to drink or not to drink various alcoholic beverages is up to everyone to decide for themselves. Perhaps a healthy heart can cope with periodically incoming toxic substances and overcome their effects. But for a person with arrhythmia, every sip of alcohol can be fatal. Alcohol and cardiac arrhythmia are absolutely incompatible with each other and can cause irreparable harm to the body.

Prevention

To avoid increased heart rate and increased blood pressure after drinking alcohol, experts advise following the following recommendations:

You need to drink alcohol in a relaxed state. The person should not be too anxious or physically exhausted so as not to increase the load on the heart.
It is necessary to drink alcohol after meals to reduce the degree of poisoning of the body and reduce damage to the gastric mucosa.
It is necessary to drink alcohol slowly, so that the effect occurs smoothly and the heart can withstand the gradually increasing load.
If you feel discomfort, it is advisable to stop drinking alcohol.

It is better for hypertensive patients to abstain from alcohol. Occasionally it is allowed to drink it at a slow pace and in small doses.
Tachycardia that occurs with a hangover should be a signal to go to the doctor to avoid its transition to more advanced forms.
It is prohibited to independently use drugs with antiarrhythmic and hypotensive effects after drinking alcohol.

It is not recommended to drink alcohol for people who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and metabolism. This increases the risk of complications and worsens the prognosis for recovery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD7FsuM4fRE

A rapid heartbeat is often combined with high blood pressure, so you may need to resort to medication to alleviate the condition. It is advisable to entrust the selection of drugs to a doctor due to the high likelihood of developing severe side effects. If it is not possible to visit a hospital or call an ambulance, you must use approved methods to reduce your heart rate.

Harmful effects of alcohol

The heart is responsible for all blood circulation in the human body. When alcohol enters the blood, the liver is forced to begin its activity in a negative environment, the load on the organ increases twice as much as normal, and its contraction is significantly accelerated. For this reason, people who are under the harmful influence of alcohol notice the following disorders:

the pulse accelerates beyond 100 beats in 1 minute;
heart rate increases;
blood pressure rises.

When exposed to alcohol, the body is exposed to great danger, the cardiovascular system suffers the most. Frequent drinking causes great harm to the myocardium. If you have existing pain, tingling sensations and discomfort in the chest area, alcohol will only worsen the disease. The breakdown products of ethyl alcohol that remain in the body disrupt muscle generation and inhibit the propagation of electrical impulses. Alcohol causes various disturbances in the heart rhythm. Arrhythmia from alcohol and atrial fibrillation are considered the most dangerous diseases.

The harmful effects of alcohol stop the regular activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system and are accompanied by symptoms such as:

When drinking such drinks, a person releases a lot of adrenaline into the blood.

acute sensitivity of the myocardium to the actions of the sympathetic mediator;
a sharp release of adrenaline into the blood;
increased sensitivity to stressful situations.

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Why are there restrictions on alcohol for a patient with arrhythmia?

Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages leads to the development of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. The opinion of doctors is clear: drinking alcohol in large quantities for 3-4 months is enough to get the disease in an advanced stage. Reaching a certain level of the disease will no longer bring relief even with complete abstinence from alcohol - it is impossible to restore normal heart function.

With a pulse of 100 beats per minute, the vessels work chaotically to contract and expand, making it difficult to deliver useful elements to different organs. At the same time, small vessels experience extreme stress, which is why they burst, areas of the skin turn red and rashes are visible visually.

Continuing to drink alcohol, the patient aggravates the condition, the heart muscle begins to weaken and lose elasticity, which provokes another attack. Tachycardia develops into hypertension and atherosclerosis, which is why doctors categorically prohibit even alcohol medications for patients with a pronounced form of heart disease.

Sinus tachycardia is not dangerous if rapid heartbeat develops after physical activity or a stressful situation, and quickly goes away with rest. Other types of rhythm disturbances are more dangerous:

Atrial fibrillation, in which the heart begins to contract chaotically as a result of drinking alcohol. Hemodynamics are disrupted, oxygen starvation develops, and the risk of formation of wall thrombi increases. This can lead to a heart attack and death.
An attack of paroxysmal tachycardia, in which a sharp increase in heart rate to 200–300 per minute can provoke thrombosis of cerebral vessels and stroke, arrhythmogenic shock, and aggravate the course of heart failure.
Extrasystole, ventricular fibrillation, sudden cardiac arrest. These dangerous disorders can be provoked by a sharp spasm of the coronary vessels, metabolic disorders in myocardial tissues and inhibition of automatic functions. As a result, the heart loses its ability to contract, which can lead to a condition incompatible with life.

Given the high risk of developing these disorders, alcohol consumption is contraindicated in patients with cardiac pathology. Arrhythmia with a hangover or while drinking alcohol is an extremely negative prognostic factor. It can only be eliminated by changing your lifestyle.

The work of the heart at lightning speed is tachycardia, it greatly exhausts the heart and affects the body as a whole.

When consuming large doses of alcohol, the blood vessels dilate, causing the heart to work faster, which is why the pulse increases after alcohol. The adverse effects of alcohol on the heart and blood vessels provoke cardiac arrhythmias, hypoxia, and changes circulation in people who regularly take alcohol. All this leads to weakening of the heart muscle and its atrophy. The worst outcome of cardiovascular dysfunction is death.

The problem may be aggravated by:

overweight;
past viral and infectious diseases;
age.

High rates of rapid heartbeat may indicate serious problems with the cardiac system.

Uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 20 grams only causes harm to the body. The heart and liver are the first to be harmed.

Cardiomyopathy is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening condition for a person who regularly drinks alcohol.

One-time doses do not pose a colossal threat, but 3 months of systematic alcohol intake will provoke increasing tachycardia.

Compatibility

Alcohol and arrhythmia failed the compatibility test. Frequent and large consumption of alcohol provokes a change in rhythm in every third patient, which is indicated by atrial fibrillation, and often this complication occurs in a more complex form. The causes of alcoholic arrhythmia are:

changes in heart rate, sudden interruptions, which is a sign of the development of early cardiomyopathy;
tachycardia that appears within 4-6 hours after drinking alcohol;
a rapid drop in blood pressure, as a result of which cardiac activity slows down;
profuse sweating, severe shortness of breath, weakness.

According to statistics, it was found that a third of deaths from heart rhythm disturbances are associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Heart rhythm disturbances occur in every second person who drinks large amounts of strong alcoholic drinks and even beer. Getting into the blood, ethanol provokes a failure of synthesis, which is responsible for the normal production of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. The ionic structure of cells and the permeability of membranes are modified, which negatively affects the functioning of the heart muscle.

A person with arrhythmia who simultaneously drinks alcohol may experience the following disorders:

Catecholamines sharply increase the amount of secretions, as a result of which the pulse quickens and blood pressure rises.
Muscle energy production stops.
The heart rhythm changes, resulting in unnecessary impulses for the heart.
Myocardial conductivity is impaired.

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Development of hypertension and tachycardia under the influence of alcohol

Drinking alcohol in large quantities is dangerous due to the development of complications. The functioning of the sinus node (natural pacemaker) is disrupted and a problem with high blood pressure arises. Gradually they will develop and become more and more threatening. The mechanism of development of severe consequences of alcohol consumption:

Hypertension is manifested by high blood pressure due to severe disruptions in the functioning of the heart. For people who drink in the early stages, the problem is observed only the next morning during a hangover. Gradually, high blood pressure becomes more stable and remains virtually constant. It will not go away on its own, so you will have to use tablets with an antihypertensive effect, but remember that they are not compatible with alcohol.
Tachycardia manifests itself due to vascular spasm resulting from drinking alcohol-containing drinks. The heart has to beat harder to pump out the required amount of blood, resulting in arrhythmia. In a healthy person, the pulse does not exceed 80 beats per minute, but in a drinker it can remain at the level of 100-110. Such a deviation contributes to the manifestation of complications associated with wear and tear of the cardiovascular system. Gradually, people experience arrhythmia attacks even at night, which leads to sleep disturbances.

Increased heart rate after drinking alcohol can also cause hypertension. The phenomenon is associated with an increased release of blood, which increases the pressure in the vessels. In fact, both pathological processes are closely interdependent. The following factors can accelerate their development:

excess body weight;
smoking;
caffeine abuse;
exposure to certain drugs;
elderly age;
hormonal surges;
weakened immune system;
vegetative-vascular dystonia (VSD).

Is it possible to drink alcohol if you have arrhythmia? You need to find out from a cardiologist, but given the negative effect of ethanol on the heart, the answer will most likely be negative. The specialist will assess the possible risks and recommend giving up alcohol.

If a person has previously had a tendency to rhythm disturbances, then alcohol significantly aggravates the pathology and even in small doses is harmful. That is why I categorically do not advise people with coronary heart disease, post-infarction cardiosclerosis and other severe myocardial diseases with severe deficiency to drink alcohol even in small quantities.

If in a healthy person a temporary change in heart rate after drinking a strong drink goes unnoticed, then in a patient with atherosclerosis the likelihood of developing a stroke or heart attack increases many times. The pathology is aggravated by oxygen starvation experienced by the central nervous system, and the regulation of the functioning of vital organs - the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs - is disrupted.

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Abuse of ethanol, even in the absence of visible diseases, will lead after some time to disruptions in the functioning of organs and systems, and the myocardium and brain tissue will suffer first. And one of the typical manifestations of deviation is tachycardia or arrhythmia. It takes a chronic form, leading to the development of deficiency and cardiomyopathy - it is often observed in people who drink.

Consequences of use

Alcoholic arrhythmia with an absolutely healthy heart should go away on its own, after harmful substances are removed from the body. If a hangover is accompanied by symptoms that portend serious complications, immediate medical attention is needed. The following signs should alert you:

The body's warning signal for a person should be a nagging pain in the chest.

weakness;
frequent vomiting;
dyspnea;
severe dizziness;
nagging pain in the chest;
foggy state;
sudden panic, depression, fear of death.

The risk of complications of the cardiovascular system after frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages does not depend on age. The reason for this is a weakened organ, covered with fat due to excessive load, which finds it difficult to do its job around the clock and pump blood. It slows down its functionality and as a result, heart attacks and strokes occur. Arrhythmia after alcohol is a pre-signed verdict on a person’s health. The compatibility of this disease and alcohol-containing drinks is impossible. Acute heart failure or even sudden cardiac arrest is always possible with this disease.

Strong heart palpitations after drinking alcohol, what should I do?

Any sane person who is concerned about his health will be alarmed by the appearance of chest pain or rapid heartbeat after drinking alcohol. Naturally, the main question in such a situation will be “how to calm the heart from a hangover?”

If your heart rate is less than 90, you don’t have to worry, it’s within normal limits. If you are bothered by mild tightness or tingling in the chest, causing more discomfort than pain, you can try to eliminate the painful condition yourself:

You need to start with a set of measures for general detoxification of the body. All possible measures to get rid of alcohol poisoning and its consequences are described in detail in a separate article.

It is necessary to replenish the reserves of magnesium, potassium and vitamins in the body, which are greatly depleted subsequently by alcohol abuse. In a hospital, this happens through a dropper, with a special solution containing all the necessary elements and glucose. At home, an analogue of this procedure can be the ingestion of one ampoule of potassium chloride and magnesium. Drink one of the drugs, diluting it with water (about 100 ml), and an hour later the second, in the same way. Between taking these medications, you can drink fructose dissolved in warm water or a teaspoon of honey.

Mild sedatives (usually herbal preparations: valerian, Novo-Passit, etc.). But they will help only in cases where it is necessary to relieve weak tachycardia.

When tachycardia is detected after drinking alcohol, a person needs to know what to do to normalize heart function. To begin with, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following algorithm of actions:

stop drinking alcohol;
to make an appointment with a doctor;
undergo the necessary examinations;
follow the recommendations of a specialist and lead a healthy lifestyle.

If arrhythmia after vodka manifests itself acutely, then you need to call an ambulance. While waiting for the doctors to arrive, follow the recommendations below:

you need to free the chest and neck area from clothing;
lie down in a well-ventilated area;
Place your feet on a pillow so that they are higher than your body.

To reduce the frequency of contractions, you can use the following methods at home:

take a deep breath and do not breathe for about 10 seconds;
Dip your face in cold water for 15-20 seconds;
Press lightly on your eyelids with your fingers for 15 seconds.

It is advisable to perform each action at least 3-4 times. The arriving ambulance team must be told about the procedures performed.

What and how much can you consume?

Atrial fibrillation and alcohol are incompatible. The exact amount of ethanol that can be taken is not known with certainty. If arrhythmia is still present, but you really want to drink, then it is better to turn your attention to natural red wine, which does not contain ethyl alcohol, but you need to drink it in the amount recommended by doctors. During repeated medical studies, a conditional dose was derived that is less dangerous for the human body. It is generally accepted that 20 mg of ethanol is a relatively safe dose for men, for women - 10. The daily alcohol intake is: vodka 40-80 ml, wine - 150-300 ml, beer - no more than 700 milliliters.

Why does arrhythmia occur after alcohol in healthy people?

Heart rhythm disturbances occur not only in alcoholics, but also in completely healthy people who have exceeded the dose of alcoholic beverages during a feast. This condition is called "holiday heart syndrome."

The amount of alcohol that provokes arrhythmia depends on the individual reaction. A dose of alcohol that contains 25 mg of ethanol for men and 12 mg for women no more than 3 times a week can be conditionally safe for adults over 21 years of age. This is equivalent to 80 ml of cognac or vodka, 250 ml of wine or 750 ml of beer for men.

Women can drink half as much without risking their heart. If you have concomitant diseases of the stomach, kidneys or liver, you should stop drinking alcohol or reduce the dose by 2-3 times.

Safe doses of alcohol according to WHO

The cause of interruptions in the functioning of the heart is the destruction of the membrane of myocardial cells, the accumulation of toxic products of ethanol metabolism, and the release of stress hormones into the blood.

We recommend reading about an attack of atrial fibrillation. You will learn about the signs and symptoms of MA, restoration of sinus rhythm, and help at home. Learn more about the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Clinical signs of alcoholic arrhythmia:

palpitations;
difficulty breathing;
severe weakness and dizziness;
fainting;
pain in the heart area;
excitement, anxiety, fear of death.

In this condition, the risk of developing cardiac arrest increases, so the patient needs urgent medical attention.

Taking alcoholic beverages can provoke an attack of rhythm disturbance in the form of paroxysmal tachycardia or atrial fibrillation in people who constantly abuse alcohol, as well as in completely healthy people after taking a large dose during a feast.

A feature of alcoholic arrhythmia is the rapid development of heart failure and the threat of cardiac arrest. For prevention, it is necessary not to exceed the recommended dose and drink only high-quality drinks, preferably red wine.

Arrhythmia and alcohol - consequences for the body

The heart is the most important organ in the human body, which is capable of contracting rhythmically under the influence of certain impulses. It is capable of supplying blood to all organs even due to a malfunction in the nervous system. However, under the influence of certain factors, arrhythmia occurs - a disturbance in the rhythm of contractions of the heart muscle.

Alcohol has a detrimental effect on the entire human body, especially on the cardiovascular system. One of the most dangerous and serious consequences of excessive addiction to alcoholic beverages is heart rhythm disturbances.

Arrhythmia is considered one of the most dangerous diseases of the human cardiac system. This disease can cause thromboembolic complications or develop into chronic heart failure. Recent studies by scientists have proven that under the influence of alcohol, malaise occurs much more often than under normal conditions.

Substances containing ethyl alcohol disrupt the synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids in the human body. This entails a change in the ionic structure of cells and membrane permeability, which negatively affects the work of the myocardial muscle.

Alcohol speeds up the heart's contractions, which significantly increases the pressure in the arteries. The accumulation of blood in the atria causes blood clots. Once in the brain, the blood clot causes a stroke.

If tachycardia, difficulty breathing, or aching chest pain occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance.

When drinking alcohol, the cardiovascular system requires a large amount of oxygen, as a result of which blood circulation worsens and the heart rhythm is disturbed. Sudden death due to a heart attack most often occurs in people who drink.

Alcohol arrhythmia

Alcohol has a negative effect on all organs and systems of the human body, and finds its negative manifestation most of all in the digestive, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Alcohol has a very negative effect on the heart. A significant dose can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart. When alcohol is absorbed into a person’s blood, the heart muscle immediately feels its effects.

When the synchronicity of the circulatory system is disturbed, the heart is forced to work in emergency mode with increased load. Any failure or stoppage of this organ leads to serious consequences and provides only a few minutes to provide medical assistance.

More than a third of cases that are associated with heart disease are somehow associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

In order to experience the negative effects of alcohol, you do not need to be an avid drinker or suffer from chronic alcoholism. Just once is enough. Moreover, the critical dose is individual for each person.

When drinking an alcoholic drink or in a hangover, a person may experience interruptions in the rhythm of the heartbeat: freezing alternates with an increased rhythm. The beating of the heart is clearly felt, which is quite fast, and the heart seems to want to break out of the chest. In medicine, this condition is called alcoholic arrhythmia.

It can occur both immediately during the consumption of alcohol-containing liquids and subsequently.

For example, the next day, when the concentration of alcohol in the blood reaches a high level, the content of toxins (derivatives of partial oxidation of ethyl alcohol) formed as a result of the metabolism of alcohol increases.

Interesting fact! In the West, there is such a term as “holiday heart syndrome.” It is used to indicate a heart rhythm disorder. The pathology received its name because it can be observed in absolutely healthy people who have consumed excessive amounts of alcohol on weekends or holidays.

Even with a large amount of alcohol consumed, arrhythmia may not occur; everything is purely individual and depends on many factors: the state of immunity and health, heredity and accompanying foods.

Is it possible to drink if you have heart arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is a frequently occurring disease, and in some cases it is complicated by quite severe pathologies. To prevent repeated attacks, as well as the initial appearance of rhythm disturbances, various methods of intervention are used: medication, physical therapy, dietary, surgical.

The simplest and most favorable way to treat cardiac arrhythmia is to organize a proper diet, in which a significant role is played by the consumption of healthy and healthy drinks.

For arrhythmia, not all products are recommended for consumption. In order to accurately answer the question of what drinks are prohibited to drink during arrhythmia, you need to understand the effect of one or another component of nutrition on the cardiovascular system.

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The mechanism of formation of rhythm disturbances

A person suffering from heart disease by drinking alcohol exposes himself to a dangerous risk.
Alcohol has a negative effect on the entire body, and especially on the cardiovascular system. Increases:

heart rate;
arterial pressure;
myocardial excitability.

Alcohol can suppress automatic electrical impulses transmitted by heart muscle tissue through cell membranes, resulting in arrhythmia.

After drinking alcohol, 5 minutes later, ethyl alcohol is absorbed into the blood, where its metabolic products remain in the body for 5-9 hours. The rate of elimination of metabolites depends on the dose taken.

2-5 minutes after a single dose of alcohol enters the body, a person experiences a temporary spasm of blood vessels, against the background of which the pressure rises by 6-15 mm Hg, the pulse quickens by 15%, the delivery of blood to the myocardium worsens, the need for oxygen increases, which is accompanied by an increase in the load on the heart.

After 3 hours, ethyl alcohol reaches cardiomyocytes, reduces their sensitivity to signals, and causes the formation of ectopic foci of excitability in the heart.

What can you drink if you have arrhythmia?

There are a number of foods that help strengthen the cardiovascular system. With their regular inclusion in the diet, you can significantly improve your well-being and reduce the frequency of attacks of rhythm disturbances.

It is important to include more vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. It is especially useful to drink freshly squeezed juices from apples, carrots, grapes, plums, tomatoes, and pomegranates.
Consumption of fish oil, which is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Products containing potassium are beneficial for the cardiovascular system, so you can use compotes, fruit drinks, decoctions of berries and dried fruits, especially dried apricots and raisins, as drinks.
There are various drinkable fortified cocktails presented as dietary supplements, but in liquid form. Their use also has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart, but before starting to take them, you should consult with your doctor.
Depending on the general condition of the patient, the doctor may allow weak coffee made from natural beans. This drink is best consumed moderately sweet, then it is considered easily digestible. It is imperative that no more than 1-2 cups are consumed per day.

It is important to remember that before starting to take any little-known product, you should consult with your doctor, especially if it relates to medicinal plants (valerian, motherwort). Other conditionally “light” drugs should also be taken only with the consent of the doctor.

What not to drink if you have arrhythmia

There are a number of guidelines for avoiding certain drinks that you should follow to strengthen your cardiovascular system.

You should not drink strong coffee or strong tea, especially if there is a risk of high blood pressure. In some patients, excess caffeine provokes rhythm disturbances and can make arrhythmia attacks more frequent and severe.
Chocolate cocktails should also be limited, as they are high in calories and contain a high percentage of sugar, which contributes to weight gain and, therefore, a deterioration in general condition.
You should not drink juices, decoctions and other drinks that are not fresh, as they can cause disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn provokes arrhythmia.

It is important to remember that before drinking any questionable drink, it is better to consult a specialist rather than risk your health.

Medication relief of tachycardia from a hangover

Arrhythmia due to a hangover is considered a fairly common occurrence, especially in people who regularly drink alcoholic beverages. It occurs due to hypersympathicotonia, that is, increased tone of the sympathetic nervous system. Such a malfunction develops due to the synthesis of large amounts of adrenaline, electrolyte imbalance and other complications caused by ethanol.

The drug regimen for treating tachycardia with a hangover is as follows:

Beta blockers (Metoprolol, Atenolol) reduce the effect of adrenaline on the heart muscle, reducing the intensity of contractions and blood pressure.
Calcium antagonists (Amlodipine, Altiazem) dilate coronary vessels and improve myocardial nutrition.
ACE inhibitors (Ramipril, Trandolapril) slow the heartbeat and normalize blood pressure by preventing the formation of angiotensin II, which is involved in vasoconstriction.

Sedatives (“Sedistress”, “Florised-Health”) are used to calm the nervous system, relieve anxiety and unreasonable fear, and fight mild types of neuroses. These drugs are especially relevant when VSD is aggravated due to alcohol intake.
Hepatotropic drugs (Darsil, Dalmaxin) are used as an addition to the treatment regimen in the presence of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. They have antioxidant, anti-ischemic and wound-healing effects.
Diuretics (“Furasemide”, “Indapamide”) remove excess moisture from the body, reducing the load on the heart and the degree of intoxication.
Combined drugs (Noliprel, Co-Parnavel) have an antiarrhythmic and hypotensive effect due to the presence of a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor.

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Sedative and hepatotropic drugs virtually do not cause life-threatening adverse reactions. Other medications have a pronounced antiarrhythmic effect, which is enhanced by the influence of alcohol. Their use is allowed after the approval of a doctor. Antibiotics (Cefoperazone sulbact, Cefpar SV) in combination with alcoholic beverages are strictly contraindicated. They can cause many side effects and may not have the desired effect.

It is allowed to use “Potassium Chloride” and “Magnesia” independently. You need to drink them alternately (the difference should be 1 hour) in the morning and evening, diluting the contents of the ampoule with 100 ml of water. Thanks to the presence of magnesium and potassium in their composition, the heart gradually returns to normal.