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What Causes Heart Palpitations And Upset Stomach After Drinking Alcohol?
Question: Hi,
Lately, when I drink alcohol, even small amounts, I wake up very early in the morning with my heart racing, very thirsty and with an upset stomach. I used to drink a lot years ago and never had this happening to me, but starting a month or two ago, every now and then I get this tachycardia up to 180.190bpm ... it's really scarry. Once I even almost passed out from it. Is this suppose to happen after drinking alcohol, even if just three beers?
Lately, when I drink alcohol, even small amounts, I wake up very early in the morning with my heart racing, very thirsty and with an upset stomach. I used to drink a lot years ago and never had this happening to me, but starting a month or two ago, every now and then I get this tachycardia up to 180.190bpm ... it's really scarry. Once I even almost passed out from it. Is this suppose to happen after drinking alcohol, even if just three beers?
Brief Answer:
Holiday Heart Syndrome likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
welcome to HCM and thanks for the query.
If you have been consuming alcohol for a long time it is possible that you have alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
The other possibility is a Holiday Heart Syndrome in which one can develop severe palpitations due to atrial fibrillation. One can become very symptomatic with dizziness and a blackout as the heart doesn't pump out sufficient blood to maintain good brain blood flow during these episodes. Fortunately these episodes are usually short and revert to normal heart rhythm within 24 hours. Even modest alcohol intake can cause this.
Take care
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Holiday Heart Syndrome likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
welcome to HCM and thanks for the query.
If you have been consuming alcohol for a long time it is possible that you have alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
The other possibility is a Holiday Heart Syndrome in which one can develop severe palpitations due to atrial fibrillation. One can become very symptomatic with dizziness and a blackout as the heart doesn't pump out sufficient blood to maintain good brain blood flow during these episodes. Fortunately these episodes are usually short and revert to normal heart rhythm within 24 hours. Even modest alcohol intake can cause this.
Take care
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Are these palpitations/fibrillation dangerous as in precursors for a heart attack? What's your advice and should I see a doctor for medication?
Brief Answer:
Investigations will help decide if medicine needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Heart attack occurs due to a disease in the blood vessels supplying the heart muscles. Atrial fibrillation is not a precursor for a heart attack and most often does not require any treatment other than avoidance of alcohol.
If it is possible to get a Holter monitoring done and if the arrhythmia occurs, we will have more information about it.
Echocardiogram would be helpful in knowing whether there is an alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Once these are done, a decision can be taken whether any medicine is required.
Regards,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Investigations will help decide if medicine needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Heart attack occurs due to a disease in the blood vessels supplying the heart muscles. Atrial fibrillation is not a precursor for a heart attack and most often does not require any treatment other than avoidance of alcohol.
If it is possible to get a Holter monitoring done and if the arrhythmia occurs, we will have more information about it.
Echocardiogram would be helpful in knowing whether there is an alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Once these are done, a decision can be taken whether any medicine is required.
Regards,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
I had a holter monitor a year ago and a full cardiac check-up, complete with stress tests and I was told I am healthy.
Should I be worried for the next couple of days? Haven't touched alcohol today, at all.
Should I be worried for the next couple of days? Haven't touched alcohol today, at all.
Brief Answer:
Arrhythmia less likely to recur
Detailed Answer:
That is good news. It makes coronary heart disease unlikely. Did you have an echocardiogram? This is to know whether you have a cardiomyopathy.
If you avoid alcohol, the arrhythmia is less likely to recur. If you are a smoker, please avoid that also.
In the less likely event of the arrhythmia recurring without alcohol, you should have another Holter done.
Wish you good health.
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Arrhythmia less likely to recur
Detailed Answer:
That is good news. It makes coronary heart disease unlikely. Did you have an echocardiogram? This is to know whether you have a cardiomyopathy.
If you avoid alcohol, the arrhythmia is less likely to recur. If you are a smoker, please avoid that also.
In the less likely event of the arrhythmia recurring without alcohol, you should have another Holter done.
Wish you good health.
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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