Why Does Drinking Alcohol Increase Heart Rate?

Numerous individuals are aware that resveratrol, an antioxidant present in red wine, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. However, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact health, particularly the cardiovascular system. Some people even notice an increase in their heart rate after drinking alcohol. While alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, slowing brain activity and promoting relaxation and drowsiness, it may seem puzzling as to why there is a connection between alcohol and increased heart rate. Moderate to heavy drinking can interfere with the heart’s natural electrical signals for several reasons:

• Sympathetic Nervous System Stimulation: Although alcohol slows down the CNS, it can simultaneously activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response, resulting in a faster heart rate.
• Vasodilation: Alcohol initially causes blood vessels to expand, lowering blood pressure. This prompts the heart to work harder and pump faster to ensure adequate blood flow. Research published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that increased sympathetic activity due to vasodilation may explain the link between alcohol consumption and elevated heart rates.
• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing urination and leading to dehydration. This reduction in blood volume can cause the heart to beat more rapidly to effectively circulate the diminished blood supply.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Heavy drinking can disturb the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is essential for proper heart function. This can potentially affect the heart’s rhythm and rate.

Excessive drinking and heavy alcohol consumption can significantly strain the heart, leading to potential long-term damage to the cardiovascular system. Although some individuals turn to alcohol as a means of managing mental health challenges, it often exacerbates these issues over time, which may explain why you may feel anxiety after drinking alcohol. If you have begun to experience heart issues and are drinking heavily, it may be time to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol. Seeking help from an alcohol treatment center could be a crucial step if you’re struggling to reduce or quit drinking independently.

How Do I Know If Alcohol Has Damaged My Heart?

Heavy alcohol consumption can cause damage to heart tissue even before any noticeable symptoms appear. The long-term repercussions of frequent heavy drinking can severely impact the cardiovascular system, leading to issues such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and an increased risk of stroke. The Cleveland Clinic cautions that prolonged heavy drinking may result in alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy. This condition alters the shape of the heart and can lead to heart failure and other serious complications. Cardiomyopathy occurs when parts of the heart become enlarged and stretched, weakening the heart muscles, which inhibits it from pumping blood effectively and reducing the body’s available oxygen supply.

Symptoms of heart damage from alcohol can include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart palpitations or atrial fibrillation (AF)
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual fatigue
• Swollen legs and feet
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain, particularly after exercise or a heavy meal
• Coughing
• Lightheadedness or passing out
• Bulging neck veins
• Crackling sounds in the lung

Symptoms of alcohol-related heart damage might not manifest until the condition has progressed. If you suspect your drinking habits have harmed your heart, it’s advisable to consult your doctor about potential testing. Untreated alcohol-related heart damage can lead to severe complications, including arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure.

Should I Stop Drinking Alcohol If I Have Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can manifest as a pounding sensation, a fluttering feeling, or an irregular heartbeat. They are quite common, generally not a cause for alarm, and often triggered by anxiety. Other potential causes can include caffeine, spicy food, pregnancy, and alcohol. Many people notice these palpitations after consuming alcohol; while this is usually harmless, it can sometimes signal a more serious issue, such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

If you occasionally experience palpitations after drinking, there’s typically no need for concern. However, you should seek medical attention if these palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting or if they last longer than a few minutes or occur frequently. For those with existing heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, it’s advisable to avoid alcohol if palpitations are a regular occurrence, even when not drinking. Additionally, while palpitations can arise from occasional anxiety, ongoing anxiety may worsen by alcohol consumption, so it’s wise to limit or avoid alcohol in such cases.

How Do I Fix My Fast Heart Rate After Drinking?

An increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat outside of exercise may not always indicate a serious issue, but it can be uncomfortable. If you find your heart racing or experiencing irregular beats after consuming alcohol, there are several strategies to help calm it down. According to VeryWellHealth, here are some effective methods to manage your heart rate while drinking:

First, stop drinking and try to remain calm so you don’t panic and continue to stress your body further. Next, drink water and electrolytes to rehydrate your body and improve blood circulation. It is wise to drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks if you tend to experience palpitations when drinking. Practice deep breathing exercises to slow down your parasympathetic nervous system. You can also apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to your head around the eyes, cheekbones, and spine to reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

How to Reverse Heart Damage from Alcohol?

There are numerous long-term effects of alcoholism on the body, and while some forms of heart damage from alcohol may not be reversible, stopping alcohol abuse is the first step in healing your body from the effects of drinking. Taking early action and making lifestyle adjustments are essential for enhancing your heart health and preventing additional harm. If you find it challenging to reduce or eliminate alcohol use, seeking assistance from an alcohol rehab facility can be beneficial. While abstaining from alcohol can significantly aid in the recovery from alcohol-related heart issues, embracing a healthier lifestyle—such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and steering clear of tobacco—can further support your heart’s healing process. In cases of long-term damage, a cardiologist may recommend medications to help manage symptoms like high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.

 

Contact WhiteSands Treatment to Learn More About Alcohol and Increased Heart Rate

The link between alcohol consumption and an elevated heart rate serves as a clear warning about the harmful effects of excessive drinking on the body. If you find yourself struggling with alcohol or have noticed signs that a loved one is drunk more often than not, it might be time to seek professional assistance from an alcohol rehabilitation center. WhiteSands Treatment provides a range of comprehensive programs designed for alcohol abuse and addiction recovery, tailored to meet individual needs. Our dedicated clinical team will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that sets you on the road to recovery. The only way to halt or reverse the cardiovascular damage caused by alcohol is to stop drinking. Our programs focus on uncovering the root causes of addiction while providing you with essential tools and lifestyle adjustments to enhance your overall well-being.

When facing alcohol addiction, getting help as soon as possible is key. Don’t hesitate to contact WhiteSands Treatment at 877-855-3470 to discover more about the risks associated with alcohol and increased heart rate or to begin your addiction treatment journey right away.

External Sources

• National Library of Medicine – Relations Between Alcohol Consumption, Heart Rate, and Heart Rate Variability in Men
• Cleveland Clinic – Alcohol-Induced Cardiomyopathy 
• VeryWellHealth – How Do You Slow Your Heart Rate After Drinking Alcohol? 

 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.