Confused about reaction to alcohol

[gunygoogoo]

Hi, so I am 37 year old male in relatively good shape.  Since I'm about 18 I've been drinking alcohol, not everyday, more like 2-3 times a week drinks out with friends.  Since having kids (9 years ago) more like 1-2 times a week max.  Starting a few months ago I took notice of some morning after drinking having a high pulse ~100bpm, my normal rate is around 75bpm.  I recently got a phone with pulse detection and took my pulse a few times while drinking.  Pretty much without question after my second drink my pulse goes into the mid 90s up to around 100bpm.  If I drink more than a few the pulse stays high through the next day.

I went to a Cardiologist who did an ECG, blood work and a stress test. All came back normal.  I'm trying to figure out how much of my reaction to alcohol is mind over matter (my focus on it causing the pulse to rise), how much is more of an inconvenience vs. something that will cause long term problems.  I've read a bit and seems like there is a difference between an elevated heart rate and an arrhythmia, how can I tell the difference?  Would the ECG/stress test shown if I had an arrhythmia?  

I know the easy answer is stop drinking, but while it sounds silly having some drinks with friends is a big part of my social life and I'd prefer not to give it up if its not actually causing a major risk.  

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[2210485]

I don't think the drinking is likely the direct cause of your problem, assuming your stated alchohol consumption is as described.

This may seem like an obvious/dumb question but... Are you drinking enough water? Dehydration is a major cause of slight elevations in pulse as described. And well.. The glove fits...

[gunygoogoo]

Thanks for the feedback.  I do have my nights where I drink more than a few drinks but never more than once in a weekend/week.  This week for example I had 4-5 beers on Saturday night and nothing until tonight where I had 2 beers with dinner, checked my pulse after dinner and it was near 100.

I think I've had a decent amount of water today and my pulse was definitely not 100 before the two beers.

To be fair, I don't "feel" the pulse.  If I didn't have my phone to take my pulse I doubt I would notice it.