Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Subject: Re: Alcohol and Rapid Heartbeat
Forum: The Heart Forum

Topic Area: Palpitation

Posted by Shell on June 01, 1999 at 16:25:21

I know that an increase in heart rate during alcohol ingestion is normal, but I'm wondering how much of an increase is normal? Whenever I go out with friends and drink more than 4 cocktails during the course of an evening, my heart rate goes from 85-90 to 150-170. It usually remains high until up to 24 hours later. I also feel rather short of breath sometimes (not always) the morning after. My neck and chest turn blotchy red and remain so for a good hour after the first drink. Could this be a sign of an allergic reaction to alcohol?

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on June 01, 1999 at 17:04:30

Dear Shell,

Maybe your body is trying to tell you something.... You could have alcohol dehydrogenase deficiency which means your body dosen't break down alcohol properly. Are you of asian ancestry?

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