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Newly diagnosed SVT - drinking alcohol? New to meds also …would love some advice

Dolly1234566 profile image
37 Replies

Hi

Newly diagnosed SVT … now on Bisoprolol 1.25 per day and Flecinade 50 mg x2 per day and (sorry about spelling)

I am under the amazing Dr Murray at the Freeman and he is amazing.

I have been on the meds for a month nearly now and just got over side effects and feel nearly normal again. My SVT seems under control my rate is always within 74-84 unless I am walking fast or exercising it only goes about 110. Don’t feel hardly any Palps anymore it’s nice and quiet.

I didn’t touch a drop of alcohol during this period but wanting to get back to normal socially. Is it ok to have one glass of wine or a few ? I won’t do cocktails anymore and nothing that’s a spirit. Just trying to see what everyone else does ? It’s tough socially being the one holding right back on occasions.

Many thanks 😊 x

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Dolly1234566
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37 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Sorry but I don't understand the problem socially. I have been alcohol free for many years and the only problems that I do have are being designated driver (no real problem) and seeing how silly many of the people I am with on such occasions become once they have a few bevvies. Small price to pay for a calm heart and brain.

I think many of us old hands have learned the hard way that alcohol and arrhythmias are poor bedfellows but it is entirely an individual's choice.

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

At one time I was a medium social drinker not helped by 25 yrs as an RAF wife preceded by 4 yrs in the service myself. I've had paroxysmal Atrial fibrillation for 11 yrs. Occasionally (less than once a month) I may have small glass of wine or weak G&T. Also have some alcohol free gin which is quite pleasant. Don't like many soft drinks and I know some people avoid tonic, because of the quinine but that seems ok for me. Tend to drink tap water when out. My daughter is married to a Muslim and I can assure you their parties last late into the night and are very social with no alcohol in sight!!

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toBagrat

That sounds like a fun party 🎈😆I didn’t know about tonic ? I had been having mocktails to avoid coke or Lemonade as I am very symptomatic after anything with caffeine in but have been fine on tonics with OJ or fruit juice in etc - it’s quite nice

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat in reply toDolly1234566

I didn't know about tonic either till very recently. I have a feeling if we avoided everything that triggers episodes in others, we'd end up sucking a grape in the morning and spitting it out at night!!

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toBagrat

Gosh absolutely… ha ha 😃

lovetogarden profile image
lovetogarden in reply toBagrat

so true! 😂

RG72 profile image
RG72 in reply toBagrat

Yes - Before I started this journey I thought that all food and beverages had some value and the case was just that some were better than others. Now I just think the opposite, all food and drink is bad for you and some are worse than others. If I want to live a little dangerously, I suck a rooibos tea bag (unflavoured... obviously)

lovetogarden profile image
lovetogarden

Some people swear off any alcohol, some drink moderately. I’m one of the latter. I often have a glass of wine with dinner, to no ill effect. My doctors have said it shouldn’t be a problem. But everyone is so different, you’ll need to see what works best for you.

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply tolovetogarden

I think I am same as you- just occasionally , think it’s going to be a case of see how it goes .. and also plenty fluid too 👍

Thomas29 profile image
Thomas29

My husband has a couple of glasses of wine most nights with dinner to no ill effects . I think the problem comes when you combine alcohol with exercise…. as in a day on the bike and then alcohol.

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toThomas29

Thanks Thomas29 👍👍

mjames1 profile image
mjames1

If it's ok with your doctor, I don't see any harm, as long as it doesn't interfere with your meds and vice versa. I had a couple of beers a week (or wine) for many years with afib. I don't drink now but that's more because of the meds I'm on than the afib.

Jim

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply tomjames1

Thanks Jim good to know

Morzine profile image
Morzine

I think it does affects a lot of people as I see it a lot on this forum. For me I can have a couple of glasses of wine as and when. Think it’s up to every individual how our bodies react.Welcome though to this merry bunch of folk on here and glad to hear you’ve settled in with the tablets, thry do take a time to settle.

Sue

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toMorzine

Thank you, it’s been a strange few weeks. Felt like my life was turned upside down but I am ok now. Getting used to small adjustments and getting back to excercise. My tablets seem to be working on a the very smallest dosage which I am very grateful for.

reinaway profile image
reinaway

After I was diagnosed with PAF and put on medication I found that I just went off the effect that alcohol had on me. I still have a wish that sometimes I would love a glass of wine with my food like I used to but if I try it my body says no very quickly! Sad but there it is.

Guitar335 profile image
Guitar335

I previously loved a good drink! Days of drinking at festivals and a Friday night at the pub were two of my favourite things

I’ve learnt very sadly that abstinence most of the time is the best route. Glastonbury not drinking is a whole new experience!!

I do have the occasional pint of beer and if I’m going crazy two pints. Sadly for me it’s a bit like playing Russian roulette and one day it’s ok and another it’s not

I am certain there is a link to my AF and alcohol.

One thing I’ve learnt is beer is better than wine because of the sulphites.

Bottom line is we are all different but my days of getting drunk are well and truly over.

FYI if u wear a smart watch look at your heart trace after alcohol. It raises it noticeably particularly as your body digests it overnight. That’s the fact

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toGuitar335

Yes I was previously wild …. Loved lots ofCocktails, especially Aperol Spritz, i was an absolute lover of wine 🍷… it’s such a huge change to get used too especially with my up and coming holiday to Greece. I think I am just going to have take it very easy and be very strict … I would not want an SVT to kick off whilst on meds … never again want a visit from the odenasine. I have the latest smart watch and I did last check my rate was 85 after a wine ..

Guitar335 profile image
Guitar335 in reply toDolly1234566

I try to embrace it as a new experience. For example at Glastonbury I was walking past a fresh juice stand and the juices were really quite expensive. I said to myself b****r it Ill try something new. OMG it was amazing and no more than a decent G&T in truth.....so treat yourself just not with alcohol?

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toGuitar335

I like your style ! I think I will treat myself with some new nice pieces of fashion -a new hoody saying as I am cutting back massively 😃and it’s probably for the best 🙌

Racquet profile image
Racquet in reply toDolly1234566

Well, Hello Dolly! Love that song. We have a few things in common here. Love(d) Aperol Spritzers and wine especially the red from Italy - Amarone. Nectar of the gods. At any rate, here is how I currently cheat the system. Lidl's sells a 5% Bitterol Spritzer that is like having the real thing. It's in a can with all the other 5% low alcohol mixes: G&T, rum & coke, etc. Also as far as the wine issue, all the major UK supermarkets sell 0% to 0.5% red, rose and white wines. I keep a mixer bottle and go 3/4 with the low stuff and top it up with the real thing. Satisfies me physically, spiritually and emotionally and not adversely affecting the old ticker. I'm 78. When invited out to dinner, I bring a bottle of my special blend and a real one for the host.

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toRacquet

It’s my dogs name ha ! That a great idea and thank you for sharing this wisdom. That’s something I can certainly look into and it’s a great idea to dilute down any drinks 🍹 it’ can only improve the situation xx

paulypurplepants profile image
paulypurplepants

After my CV I started back on alcohol very slowly and tried hard even on ski trips to stay hydrated and drink carefully. Occasionally I’d get a bit carried away and find that it was ok, but possibly due to being well hydrated. I did finally trip back into AF after 6 months following a long stressful day on the golf course followed by beer and wine. I reckon it was the combination of stress, dehydration, tiredness and alcohol that dunnit….was gutted and will try harder next time.

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply topaulypurplepants

We all get caught up in it. It’s a just learning curve 😃

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

When I was first diagnosed and put on the usual drug scene of anticoagulants flecainide bisoprolol etc I was warned no alcohol. Then as time went on and we were going away on holiday my Gp and EP both said I could have a glass of wine or two a day

Like a lot of people we used to have parties and jollies every weekend so I was thrilled to be able to have some alcohol again. Actually one wasn’t enough to give me that woohoo feeling so over the holiday it became 2. Anyway long story cut short the day after we got home wham afib/tachycardia attack which lasted 3weeks.

No more alcohol for a long time

Now though I find to be sociable and part of the normal I can drink a G & T or one Prosecco with no ill effects. After that I have slightly warmed water in my wine glass

Really and truly we can do without alcohol despite what our doctors may or may not say and it’s certainly worth no attacks (or hangovers). You can still have fun and enjoy yourself.

Sorry for the long text

All the best

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toTapanac

You definitely can stillEnjoy the moment x

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac in reply toDolly1234566

👍 yes definitely

Silvasava profile image
Silvasava

Strangely as a brandy and rum drinker after having Afib I went right off it. I've never been a heavy drinker, just nicely mellow :) now I may have a Sangria or a drowned Brandy and Ginger but only now and again. Just don't have the taste for it now.

TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdminPartner

Hi Dolly, Welcome to the Forum, I am sure all the members will make you feel welcome and offer their helpful advice.

It is known that stimulants can increase symptoms of an arrhythmia and it is advisable to reduce or eliminate stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol. It is important to keep hydrated and maintain a good healthy weight and follow a balanced diet too.

It is really down to personal experiences, however if you are seeking advice and inforamtion about SVT, then visit Arrhythmia Alliance and download our 'SVT Patient Information' booklet heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/...

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toTracyAdmin

Thanks Tracey, I am so grateful for everyone’s reply’s, the next big outing is my friends wedding. Going to have to be strict and set a limit with this one and an early bed time so I don’t loose my judgment as it’s easily done with every one partying. I am sure I can abstain and be very sensible as I am risk overt anyhow x

TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdminPartner in reply toDolly1234566

Have fun ! 😄

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald

I gave up drinking any alcohol at the age of 68 because it made me feel so crap in the mornings. I developed SVT at 73 had a stroke at 75 (my own fault, not taking the medication) so the alcohol was never part of the problem. I switched to fruit juices. Nobody complained and as Bob said I'm the dedicated driver a lot. 78 now.

All the best

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toRoyMacDonald

That’s good it all worked out for you, I amProbably going to be the designated driver too ! A little shocked I developed this at 41 yrs old but there worse I suppose.

RoyMacDonald profile image
RoyMacDonald

When I was on the stroke unit a young guy (44) was bought in from a night out with a massive bleed still as drunk as a skunk caused by the alcohol, so that put me off ever drinking again anyway as there was nothing the consultant could do to help him.

All the best.

Roy

Dolly1234566 profile image
Dolly1234566 in reply toRoyMacDonald

Oh dear me that’s scarey ..

TM93 profile image
TM93

I think it is different for everyone. I can drink a couple of glasses of wine or beer or an occasional cocktail with no trouble. Caffeine is a trigger for me though. I would suggest that you go easy and you will figure it out.

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65

I unfortunately had to cut all alcohol from my life, both vino and the hard stuff, as it was a definite trigger. It didn't stop me socializing, but I had to emphasize to friends to NOT feel they have to limit their drinking because of me. Everything worked out fine.

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