Alcohol and AF

[Visacrem]

Hi, at first I never took any alcohol but having slowly increased to 4 or 5 pints on a night out I find im more relaxed now and don't really notice any difference in my AF symptoms. I've just purchased a Kardia 1 lead monitor so look forward to getting some proof to see if I am no worse off.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Visa.

I have said this before on the forum and it seems to hold true. For some members even a sniff of booze can kick in afib - for others a few beers are ok. There is a certainity though - booze drinking is highly likely to make your afib worse. Moderation is key here.

I'm lucky as a few steady beers are ok for me. One thing to note too is that you may be fine having 5 beers one night but not the next. Don't think because you are ok for a while then it's always going to be that way - other things can play a role too.

There's also the temption that getting away with 4 or 5 makes you think that having an extra one won't do any harm - it might !

As above - MODERATION is the key word. IMO you are chancing it drinking that amount on a regular basis.

Paul

[jeanjeannie50]

Sulphites, are a preservative that is naturally occurring and also added by many manufacturers to most alcoholic drinks. They are usually the cause of having an effect on our heart rhythm. You may just be lucky by being served one that is low in this. Do you always have the same brand do you know, or drink at the same pub?

Just an idea.

Jean

[Visacrem in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for your reply Jean Jeanne you make a good point. I'm one of the old school and don't drink the heavy chemical based lagers. I travel to a pub that serves the traditional Mild Beers but I will try to find out the content of sulphites, but I know for sure if I doing the newer beers it does have an adverse affect on my AF whereas for some reason my body seems to accept in moderation the Mild Beers. Once again thank you for your reply I do appreciate your and others advice on this point.

[Bawdy in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Sulphites aren't good for me but I have come across preservative free wines that are delicious. I love to have a wine whilst cooking dinner, nice way to end the day, Cheers.

[jondeanp]

When i was first diagnosed, the AF nurse said it was likely because of my "binge" drinking. At the time I would have a night out with friends once every 2-3 weeks and would drink about 5 maybe 6 pints. I didn't believe that this was classed as binge drinking. Initially I did stop all caffeine and beer drinking (I stopped the beer because of warfarin).

I now still have the same nights out with friends and drink 5-6 pints (well not so much this year cos of the damn virus). I think my alcohol intake has actually increased because of drinking at home through lockdowns.

One thing I do try to keep an eye on is hydration. Especially after a night out, I take an electrolyte tablet mixed with water and a magnesium tablet.

Cheers🍻

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to jondeanp]

Yes, hydration is so important for we AF sufferers. It sounds like you've got everything under control, long may that continue.