Can Alcohol Cause Heart Palpitations?

July 26, 2018

Harmony Place Team

Heart disease risk increases with both smoking and alcohol use – certainly you have heard the warnings, but most people don’t understand just how much of an effect alcohol really has on the heart and the cardiovascular system. Binge drinkers and chronic drinkers are putting a lot of stress on the heart muscle, the veins and arteries, and the blood vessels.

While it may seem like you can drink hard for a long time before developing and the negative effects of drinking, cardiovascular problems can show up after only 5-10 years of problematic drinking.

What is a Heart Palpitation?

Heart palpitations are sensations where it feels like your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping a beat. They can be harmless or a sign of an underlying issue.

Signs and symptoms of heart palpitations include:

Racing or pounding
Fluttering or skipping beats
Beating irregularly or unevenly
Feeling like it’s beating too fast or too hard
Flipping or fluttering in your chest or throat

Other symptoms that may accompany palpitations include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort or pain
Anxiety or a feeling of panic
Fatigue or weakness

If you experience palpitations along with chest pain, fainting, or severe shortness of breath, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Heart Palpitations and Alcohol

Alcohol can disrupt the electrical signals in the heart, especially when consumed in large amounts. It can also stimulate the nervous system, raise blood pressure, and lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, all of which can trigger palpitations.

Drinking alcohol – even in moderation – has been shown to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), according to a recent study not only is the risk for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter increased with alcohol use, but the study also showed that with atrial fibrillation comes a 500% increase in the risk for strokes, 300% increase in risk for heart failure, 200% increase in the risk of dementia, and you have a 40-90% increased risk of premature death.

Simply put, more recent studies have shown that even moderate alcohol use can have a negative effect on the heart. Those that abuse alcohol, binge drink, or drink heavy amounts of alcohol are really putting themselves at risk and should consider cutting down or quitting.

Types of Irregular Heartbeats Associated with Alcohol Abuse

The heart is a complex organ, and the cardiovascular system works as a balanced system in a healthy body, but there are plenty of places for an issue to arise. Depending on where the arrhythmia originates, there are many different types of irregular heartbeats that could be at play, including:

Premature Atrial Contractions
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)
Atrial Flutter
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Accessory Pathway Tachycardias
AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach)
Ventricular Fibrillation
Long QT Syndrome
Bradyarrhythmias
Sinus Node Dysfunction
Heart Block

However, the severity of an arrhythmia changes depending on what type it is, what it was caused by, and how bad the damage is. When it comes to arrhythmias in a person with a history of alcohol abuse, there is a higher chance that the alcohol is directly tied to the irregular heartbeat. Therefore, there is a higher chance of reversing an arrhythmia due to alcohol abuse, if alcohol can be cut out completely.

How Dangerous Are Heart Palpitations from Alcohol?

Heart palpitations caused by alcohol can range from harmless to potentially serious. For some people, occasional palpitations after drinking may not indicate any major health problems. However, in others, especially those with underlying heart conditions, alcohol-related palpitations could signal arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. These irregular heart rhythms can increase the risk of complications like stroke or heart failure if left untreated. It is important to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if palpitations become frequent, prolonged, or are accompanied by other warning signs.

How Long do Palpitations Last After Drinking?

The duration of palpitations after drinking alcohol varies depending on the individual, the amount consumed, and other health factors. In many cases, palpitations may last only a few minutes to several hours. Factors such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the presence of caffeine or other stimulants can prolong symptoms. If palpitations persist beyond a few hours or worsen over time, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

What Should I do if I Feel Palpitations After Drinking?

If you experience heart palpitations after drinking alcohol, try to stay calm and sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Drinking water and resting can help alleviate symptoms, especially if dehydration is a factor. Avoid consuming more alcohol or stimulants like caffeine until you feel better. If the palpitations are severe, last a long time, or are accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek medical attention immediately as these could be signs of a serious heart condition.

Alcohol and Arrhythmias: Can You Reverse the Damage?

The answer to this question must be confirmed with a doctor – as each case is different, and there is a small window of opportunity to reverse the damage done by alcohol. We can say for certain that quitting alcohol will slow the progression of nearly all common forms of alcohol-induced heart problems, and many “innocent” murmurs and heart palpitations caused by alcohol can be reversed completely.

The first thing you need to do is go to your doctor and have them perform a physical exam. Your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram, either an ECG or an EKG. In order to diagnose an arrhythmia, your doctor may also utilize the following tests:

Electrocardiogram
Holter Monitor (A type of portable EKG monitor that you wear for several days or up to a week)
Event Monitor (A type of portable EKG monitor that you wear for several weeks or months)
Stress Test
Echocardiogram (ultrasound)
Cardiac Catheterization
Electrophysiology Study
Head-up Tilt Table Tests

If the doctor does find and diagnose an arrhythmia, you will also be given a prognosis and recommended a treatment plan. Depending on the type and severity of the arrhythmia, it may be recommended that you have ablation, heart surgery, or a pacemaker installed – in the cases of more serious irregular heartbeats. In less serious cases, a simple change of diet and exercise may be enough to reverse or slow the progression of the disease.

My Doctor Says I have an Arrhythmia Due to Alcohol Abuse that Can be Reversed if I Change My Lifestyle – How do I Begin?

If you have an alcohol-induced arrhythmia that your doctor has told you can be reversed, you should count yourself very lucky, and commit to changing your lifestyle. This will mean cutting out any alcohol intake, making healthier eating choices and getting moderate exercise.

Again, you really do have to be committed to a lifestyle change in order to recover from alcohol-related heart issues. This can be a tough change for some to make. Committing to diet and exercise changes alone can be difficult, but it is often when a doctor tells you that you need to cut alcohol completely out of your life, that many find they cannot quit or even cut down their alcohol intake.

Harmony Place Can Help You Recover from Alcohol Abuse and its Damaging Effects

Recovering from alcohol abuse, binge drinking, and chronic alcohol use may seem difficult to begin, but with a recovery plan, it can be much easier. Harmony Place’s alcohol treatment program utilizes integrated treatments and focuses on diet and lifestyle changes. Our alcohol treatment program can be the best way to address all of your issues, learn to cut alcohol out of your life and make healthier choices.

Alcohol Addiction Recovery Resources and Guides

Harmony Place is dedicated to supporting you through every step of your alcohol addiction recovery journey, offering a wealth of resources and information on our website. We provide comprehensive details on insurance coverage options for alcohol addiction rehab, including plans from Cigna alcohol addiction rehab and Anthem BCBS (Elevance) alcohol rehab treatment. For those in specific regions, we also cover the unique offerings of Anthem BCBS Colorado drug and alcohol rehab treatment and Anthem BCBS Nevada drug and alcohol rehab treatment, as well as Optum alcohol rehab treatment. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate your treatment options confidently.

Understanding the costs associated with alcohol addiction treatment is crucial, and Harmony Place is here to make that process easier. Our website offers detailed insights into the alcohol addiction treatment cost and the cost of drug and alcohol detox. We provide practical guidance on how to pay for alcohol rehab, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede your path to recovery. By demystifying these expenses, we help you focus on what truly matters—your health and well-being.

A thorough alcohol addiction assessment is an essential part of creating a personalized recovery plan, and our website emphasizes its importance. This assessment helps tailor your treatment to meet your specific needs, laying the groundwork for effective recovery. We encourage you to visit the Harmony Place website to explore these invaluable resources. By doing so, you’ll gain access to expert advice and comprehensive information, equipping you with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about your recovery. Begin your journey to wellness by discovering how our resources can support your path to a healthier future.

Alcohol Addiction Rehab at Harmony Place, Los Angeles

At Harmony Place, we understand that the path to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction involves more than just treatment for substance abuse. Operating in the Los Angeles area, we place a high emphasis on nutrition as a critical component of our detox programs. We firmly believe that a well-balanced diet can significantly aid the recovery process, providing essential nourishment as our patients navigate their way toward sobriety. Whether you’re concerned about the cost alcohol rehab, exploring how much detox costs, or looking into the IOP or inpatient rehab payment costs, Harmony Place is dedicated to supporting your journey to recovery.

We are committed to making the road to recovery as accessible as possible, which is why we accept health insurance from a range of providers. This includes Anthem BCBS cover, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Shield of CA, Carelon, Elevance Health, and UnitedHealthcare (UHC). By accepting these insurances, we aim to alleviate any financial concerns you may have, allowing you or your loved one to focus solely on the recovery process. Whether you’re questioning if insurance covers rehab or seeking specifics about Anthem Blue Cross drug rehab coverage or Aetna rehab coverage, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Discover more about how effective nutrition can enhance the efficacy of detox treatment for drug and alcohol addiction at Harmony Place.

If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for a substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health disorder, call us today for a private consultation at 1-855-652-9048 Harmony Place is here to help.

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