Heart Rate After Moderate Alcohol Consumption

I am 38, Male 5'7" 155lb and in very good physical condition. Smoked a little in my 20's. I exercise for at least an hour everyday (cardio and/or weight training). My normal resting heart rate is around 60-70bpm. Blood pressure usually 110-120/55-65. I check my BP regularly with a home monitor that I purchased after becoming more 'aware' of  my heart beat. One negative is that I don't get enough sleep.

I have cut back on alcohol consumption over the years but still enjoy a few (4 or 5 pints with food over a few hours) usually one night on the weekend, possibly 2 nights if there is a special event. I have always awakened early in the morning after alcohol consumption due to dehydration or other reasons but over the past year I have been waking up in the middle of the night with what feels like a pounding heart beat. When I check my pulse and heart rate it is usually between 80-100bpm. I can usually calm down enough until it drops down to a normal level but during the following day any slight physical exertion results in a slightly higher-than-normal heart rate (compared to the same activity following a day with no alcohol) and the same heart thumping.

I also experienced what I think is a panic attack once this year. I had a brief moment of very high stress or anxiety and my heart pounded so hard for about 30 seconds I thought my chest was going to explode. This has only ever happened once.

I know the obvious answer is don't consume any alcohol but my question is.: Does this draw a red flag or indicate there may be some underlying issue I should have checked out? I don't notice any skipped beats, fluttering, etc.. and a normal routine physical was normal.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

I don't think the answer is don't consume alcohol, it is probably don't drink so much at one time.  Studies show that people that drink 1-2 drinks per day have fewer cardiovascular events than people who consume <1 or more than 2.  If it only happens when you drink and is a regular rhythm 80-100, it sounds more hydration related.  Just cut back a bit and see if that helps.  I think this is a fairly common symptoms after eating too much and drinking.

If this only happens after drinking, I don't think you need to worry about your heart unless you have other symptoms too.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.

[maggiemag]

That much alcohol would qualify as binge drinking.  You don't have to drink every day to have a problem!  You might already know that alcohol is bad for heart muscle, and too much can cause heart muscle problems which can be severe.  Just a word of caution!