HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Are Caffeine And Alcohol Considered As Heart Stimulants Producing Fast Heart Rate?

default
Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015
Question: Hello I am a 26 year old male. I am very active and am a former college athlete. I maintain good health with proper sleep, nutrition and exercise. I consume a lot of caffeine and work in a very high stress job. I have noticed over the past five or six months that I have been having random episodes where my heart feels like its racing. I have also noticed I will feel tired, lightheaded, and dizzy. I also notice that this tends to occur mostly after I have had a very late of alcohol consumption or a day where I have a lot of caffeine. I have drastically reduced the amount of caffeine I drink and I have noticed that these episodes have rarely occured. I don't know if this is just a result of caffeine consumption or if I should be worried about something like atrial fibrillation.

Thank you.
XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Avoid those drinks and follow a heathy style.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would like to confirm you statement. Yes! It is true that substances like caffeine and alcohol are considered heart stimulants, producing fast heart rate (tachycardia), leading to the feeling you described (palpitations). When they are taken to an excessive amount, they may trigger even some kinds of arrhythmia like ectopic beats, or atrial fibrillation too (so called "holiday heart syndrome", that is atrial fibrillation caused by excessive alcohol consumption).
As you are a physical healthy and active man, you don't have to worry about. Seem you have to face a multi - tasks profile daily activity, and probably this leads to stress and some anxiety appearance. But taking excessive caffeine or even alcohol could not help the issue. It would increase those symptoms you refer.
So my only, simple advice is to stop having those drinks, and to keep maintaining a healthy lifestyle profile (healthy diet, enough sleeping, physical activity, and enough leisure time).
If your symptoms persist even after that, a routine medical check up would be necessary.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (50 minutes later)
Thank you for putting me at ease. I greatly appreciate it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Hi, again XXXXXX! You are welcome!
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9535 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Are Caffeine And Alcohol Considered As Heart Stimulants Producing Fast Heart Rate?

Brief Answer: Avoid those drinks and follow a heathy style. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXX! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would like to confirm you statement. Yes! It is true that substances like caffeine and alcohol are considered heart stimulants, producing fast heart rate (tachycardia), leading to the feeling you described (palpitations). When they are taken to an excessive amount, they may trigger even some kinds of arrhythmia like ectopic beats, or atrial fibrillation too (so called "holiday heart syndrome", that is atrial fibrillation caused by excessive alcohol consumption). As you are a physical healthy and active man, you don't have to worry about. Seem you have to face a multi - tasks profile daily activity, and probably this leads to stress and some anxiety appearance. But taking excessive caffeine or even alcohol could not help the issue. It would increase those symptoms you refer. So my only, simple advice is to stop having those drinks, and to keep maintaining a healthy lifestyle profile (healthy diet, enough sleeping, physical activity, and enough leisure time). If your symptoms persist even after that, a routine medical check up would be necessary. Hope to have been helpful to you! Feel free to ask me whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri