How Withdrawal Affects Heart Rate: Symptoms, Risks and When to Seek Help
Experiencing withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be an intensely challenging ordeal, both physically and emotionally. Detoxification affects nearly every bodily system, but one of the most significant and alarming symptoms is its effect on heart rate. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is heart rate while experiencing withdrawal?”
It’s crucial to recognize that fluctuations in heart rate can indicate drug withdrawal symptoms and may also signal more severe complications. Depending on the substance involved, withdrawal can result in a rapid, slowed, or irregular heartbeat, each presenting its own set of risks.
For many, these heart rate changes are a natural reaction to the absence of the substance, yet they can also highlight serious withdrawal symptoms that necessitate immediate medical intervention. This is particularly critical for individuals with existing heart conditions, making it vital to monitor heart health during withdrawal due to the potential for serious complications.
Pursuing sobriety is a commendable decision, but embarking on this journey alone or through certain programs should be approached with caution. Some substances can lead to perilous and even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, often requiring professional medical detox programs for safe management. These programs offer continuous supervision and medication-assisted treatment to alleviate or address dangerous withdrawal symptoms, facilitating a safer path to sobriety.
Understanding how withdrawal affects heart rate, recognizing warning signs, and being aware of the risks associated with unmanaged symptoms are essential. Whether you or a loved one is facing withdrawal, knowing when to seek professional help can make a significant difference in achieving a safe and effective recovery.
Does Heart Rate Increase During Withdrawal?
During the withdrawal process from various substances, it is common for the heart rate to rise. This physiological reaction occurs as the body strives to adapt to the absence of the substance it has relied on. An elevated heart rate is often part of a broader range of withdrawal symptoms linked to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, neurotransmitter irregularities, and the body’s stress response.
While an increased heart rate during withdrawal is generally not a cause for alarm, it can sometimes signal a serious underlying issue, especially in individuals with pre-existing health conditions or among older adults.
Many substances impact the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. Withdrawal can disrupt this balance, often leading to heightened sympathetic activity, commonly referred to as the “fight or flight” response, which can cause tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, and anxiety, all of which can further increase heart rate.
A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence revealed that naloxone significantly affected heart rate regulation in individuals dependent on opioids, suggesting that parasympathetic activity is involved in opioid withdrawal.
The withdrawal process is inherently stressful for the body, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can activate the “fight or flight” response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
Furthermore, drugs and alcohol disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. The sudden withdrawal from these substances can result in a neurochemical rebound effect, causing the body to temporarily produce an excess of certain neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine, which is linked to the stress response and can raise heart rate.
Which Substances Are Most Likely to Cause Heart Rate Fluctuations During Withdrawal
During withdrawal, heart rate can fluctuate, either rising or falling, influenced by various substances. Here are some of the most common substances that are likely to cause these fluctuations during withdrawal:
- Alcohol – As a depressant, alcohol slows down bodily functions, and the body adapts to this effect with chronic use. During withdrawal, the central nervous system (CNS) becomes overactive, leading to symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and an increased heart rate, sometimes exceeding 100 beats per minute. In severe cases like delirium tremens, a rapid heart rate can be a significant concern.
- Opioids – While opioids themselves often cause a slowed heart rate, during withdrawal, individuals can experience a rebound effect and experience increased heart rate and palpitations. However, in some cases, abrupt cessation of long-term opioid use might lead to serious cardiac complications, including slowed heart rate or bradycardia.
- Marijuana – According to research published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, tolerance develops to the acute cardiovascular effects of cannabis with repeated use, which may cause a rebound increase in heart rate and blood pressure following abrupt cessation of heavy use.
- Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamines, and Amphetamines) – These drugs directly increase heart rate during use. Withdrawal from stimulants can initially cause a slowed heart rate and fatigue as the body adjusts. However, it can also lead to agitation and anxiety, which can manifest as an increased heart rate in some individuals.
What Are the Common Heart-Related Symptoms During Withdrawal?
Heart symptoms can arise during withdrawal from substances, especially CNS depressants like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. These symptoms can be pretty serious and, in some instances, life-threatening.
According to Healthline, severe alcohol dependence may result in delirium tremens, a potentially fatal condition characterized by high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, and confusion. Here are some of the most frequently observed heart-related symptoms during withdrawal:
- Tachycardia – Elevated heart rate is a common symptom due to the central nervous system being overstimulated.
- Arrhythmia – Drugs and alcohol withdrawal can disrupt the heart’s normal heart rhythm, resulting in irregular heartbeat, including conditions like atrial fibrillation.
- Hypertension – High blood pressure is widespread with alcohol, nicotine, and stimulant withdrawal.
- Chest Pain or Tightness – While this may be a result of increased anxiety, heightened heart rate, or blood pressure, it’s crucial to distinguish between withdrawal-induced chest pain and symptoms of a heart attack.
- Palpitations – A racing or pounding heart sensation is another common symptom that can feel particularly intense during the early stages of withdrawal.
- Shortness of Breath – Heightened anxiety or changes in the cardiovascular system can cause this.
How Is Heart Rate Monitored During Medical Detox?
Monitoring heart rate during medical detox ensures patient safety and effectively manages withdrawal symptoms. As individuals detox from substances like alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, their bodies undergo significant physiological changes, including fluctuations in heart rate.
These fluctuations can sometimes be severe or pose risks, prompting healthcare professionals to closely monitor vital signs, including heart rate, to prevent complications like brain damage and drug overdose.
Here are some standard methods used to monitor heart rate:
- Manual pulse check is an essential and frequent way to assess heart rate.
- Automated blood pressure cuffs, which often display heart rate as well.
- Continuous cardiac monitoring may be used in individuals at a higher risk of complications. This involves telemetry, which involves attaching electrodes to the patient’s chest that transmit the heart’s electrical activity.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) can help identify specific cardiac issues.
- Observation of associated symptoms related to changes in heart rate, such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and anxiety.
Contact WhiteSands Treatment for Answers to Questions Like “What is Heart Rate While Experiencing Withdrawal?”
Going through withdrawal from drugs and alcohol not only complicates the journey to recovery but can also pose serious risks. One of the most alarming symptoms individuals may face is fluctuations in heart rate during this period. Understanding ‘what is heart rate while experiencing withdrawal’ is essential for grasping the body’s response and highlights the importance of undergoing detoxification with medical oversight.
At WhiteSands Treatment’s Florida substance abuse center for seniors and other residents, we provide specialized medical detox programs designed to ensure your safety throughout the withdrawal experience while offering emotional support during this challenging phase, laying the groundwork for a sustainable recovery.
For more information on how withdrawal impacts heart health or to learn about our detox programs, reach out to WhiteSands Treatment in Florida at 877-855-3470.
External Sources
- Science Direct – Changes in cardiac vagal tone as a measured by heart rate variability during naloxone-induced opioid withdrawal
- Journal of Addiction Medicine – Increased Blood Pressure Following Abrupt Cessation of Daily Cannabis Use
- Healthline – ‘Cold Turkey’ Alcohol Withdrawal Can Cause Serious Health Issues
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.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
