I am in permanent AF controlled with apixoban and verapamil have never had more than Ihalf a glass of wine probably a week however since being diagnosed have not touched any as am paranoid about making things worse a a chemist told me I was being overcautious when I asked about garlic does any one else find it's ok to have a drink now and again
alcohol with permanent AF: I am in... - Atrial Fibrillati...
alcohol with permanent AF
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KelliEAnniE
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I'm in constant AF too, have been for the last 4 years, it's at a low rate though between 60-90bpm but mostly in the 70's. I'm on Warfarin and have my own testing machine,
Last year for my daughter's special birthday, her husband chartered a private yacht .Which belonged to two men, one steered us around at sea and the other fed us non stop. I drank a whole bottle of red wine (have never done that before that I can remember) but I lived to tell the tale. Usually I just have one or two glasses of wine, any more than that and before being in constant AF it would kick my AF off. I'm always the one who has to drive my two sisters around, so can never have alcohol when we go to my daughter's house for dinner or out for a meal together. I have to say that I can happily live without alcohol. Do like a bottle of Advocaat at Christmas to make snowballs with, remember them?
I don't worry in the slightest about eating garlic, never give it a thought.
Jean
hi thanks for your reply I'm sure if you drank a full bottle with no ill effects I should be ok for an occasional glass as for garlic I looked on line said can cause bleeding if your on blood thinners the chemist said it's very rare and told me I am being overcaustious
I agree with your pharmacist. Regarding alcohol that's up to you but I stopped drinking wine etc for about twenty years . Better safe than sorry.
yes think I'd rather go down that road regarding alcohol as haven't missed it my son bought me a bottle of Bailey's cream it's still in the cupboard not touched it hadn't the heart to tell him I couldn't have it but I'll tell him not buy me anymore first thing they asked in hospital was do you smoke or drink which I replied no apart from an occasional drink that was before I was diagnosed like you said better safe than sorry thanks
Funny… I was talking to my younger brother yesterday (he’s 15 years younger than me) as I recently had all our old family videos converted to digital and we were looking at some of them. He asked if I knew where a certain scene was where dad was pushing him on a swing. I said, “It’s Mullaloo beach and I remember that day well as me and mum and an aunty that was with us, went to the pub across the road and had snowballs!” I was only 17 but they didn’t worry too much about ID in those days 😉 I haven’t thought about snowballs for years and now it’s come up twice in 2 days 😂
We love snowballs too Jean! My wife had a part time job in a pub when she was at Uni and we once had a drink that someone had asked for in the bar - a Fluffy Duck. Basically a shot of every white spirit around with advocaat and lemonade in a half pint glass! Wow! It tasted lovely but just a quick way to get drunk! I think advocaat and lemonade added to any drink you don't like would make it palatable 
Nowadays we use soda water instead of lemonade as tend not to like sweet things so much.
I have made more concessions to AF and Warfarin with food .... none with alcohol. BUT, whatever I have done I've done it with consitency.
thanks for replying I see what you mean about consistency
I eat quite a lot of garlic and take anticoagulants. I wouldn’t recommend taking as a supplement but as a food, unless you ate several bulbs a day, I don’t think is a problem as benefits outweigh small risk.
I drink occasional glass of wine, not red though as doesn’t agree with me and occasional beer, no issues. I think you can overthink things and you have to enjoy life.
Thanks for your reply
CD Whats up with this persistant or permanent AF. Does it mean that i will now have all these dystems that i have for the rest of my life ? Its adreadfull thought. Maybe it would be better to have that AVnode ablated, althouhg ive heardthat with done i still will have the problem. I dont really get it. Colin
We’re all different . I’m in permanent AF and have had 3 ablations , they’ve worked for a short time , but I’m back in AF , had it for 11years . It won’t stop me doing anything, everything in moderation and the last thing I do now is worry . I eat well and healthy, gym 4 times a week fresh air and excercise , refuse to let stress get to me . Drink good wine every so often . I will have this for the rest of my life but it won’t control me
Persistent AF is when you are in AF 24/7 for at least 7 days
Permanent is purely at term to define AF just means that you and your doctors agree that further treatment will not help.
Pace and ablate is when Pacemaker is inserted to pace the heart, followed by the ablation of the AV node. This means that although the AF will persist as AF originates in a top chamber of the heart, the AV node ablation severs the connection between the top chambers atria and the bottom, ventricles which pump oxygenated blood to your body. This means - even though the AF may persist - your pulse will remain steady as the pacemaker will take over the pacing of the heart. It does mean you will be pacemaker reliant for the rest of your life and that you may still feel palpitations BUT you should feel a big improvement to your quality of life regarding breathlessness etc.
I went for Pace and Ablate and very glad I did. What happened was the pacemaker itself stopped the AF but it was a particular type of PM which meant I didn’t go ahead with the ablation of AV node. If AF becomes very problematic again for me though I wouldn’t hesitate to go for it. When all other treatment options fail you need to think about quality of life.
Thanks CD. Seems im inthe same sutuation as you still. I did get thefancy pm but it was agreed i didnt need to have node ablation So pm is in place if i need it and believe me i have thought i might need it at times since. Seems my body is terible at accepti g meds .
Ive stopped taking the anticoagulants as im in almost permanent nausea on them and i just cant live like that. Im on asprin now for a month a d seems to be ok but have been told its not that good a protection. I get a lot of pounding in my chest at night a d lately during the day. So i have verapamil im my pocket to take when this happens . The doc is talking of doubling the diltiazem from 120mg slow release.. Colin.
I believe in everything with moderation, a little of what you fancy etc., however I know that alcohol can interact with the drugs I'm on so, apart from a little Bailey's now and again and a Snowball, yes well remembered, I don't drink anything else. I also believe that life is for living so again, moderation shouldn't do you a lot of harm, alcohol was never a trigger for my A/F but I would add to that the fact that my father was an alcoholic so that was enough to put me off for life lol
I'm quite fond of Bailey's but have had my AF triggered twice from having a tiny glass of it, so I guess that's going on the long and ever growing list of 'no go's' (I'm also coeliac). 😑
thank you for your reply
I have a drink every Sunday and the odd Friday night.I'm on warfarin as well as other tablets for my heart.
I eat garlic as well as a load of other stuff.
I have changed my diet over the last few years and made quite a few sacrifices along the way.
But we are all different and as already mentioned consistency is the key.
yes thanks
My cardiologist told me that alcohol triggers AF but once in persistent AF, it won't really impact.....in moderation obviously. I'm in NSR since last ablation so limit myself to one drink (relatively low alcohol beer. I wouldn't risk wine or a spirit. Too strong. I also drink extra water if I do have a beer) . This is cos I don't want to risk it coming back...but I'm probably being over catious too. If I went back into AF, I'd have a pint! 😆
With many of the meds, they recommend cutting back on alcohol. You definitely should not binge drink.
I normally don’t drink alcohol anymore since I was told that I have AF 6 years ago. I did drink a glass or two of cava the other day at a party and 1 hour later I had episode of AF. Just to remind me… but then I don’t like cava… 😉
Just to know: how is living with permanent AF? Are you very symptomatic? And can you still exercise? Lead a normal, active life? Is there an increased risk of getting heart failure? (My friend cardiologist says 0,1%).
All the best!
hi to be honest I dot have a problem with permanent AF as it is controlled with medication verapamil and apixoban I am able to exercise and lead a normal life I do not have any other heart issues as my consultant told me this after looking at my echocardiogram so all in all I am lucky just want to stay this way so I'm always careful and keep an eye on my heart rate when exercising
That’s nice to hear! Thank you. Enjoy your Sunday!
Hi have you ever had an Ablation,or are you fully controlled with meds
no nothing like that ever been suggested just on meds no ill effects from them now I changed from bisoperol to verapamil as bisoperol not good if you have asthma and made my asthma but I'm fine have no other heart issues apart from AF so happy the way things are and feel fit and well
Glad you are fit and well, Ablation has been suggested to me, I don’t know whether I should have it done or not.I’m a scaredy-cat.
id be like that about anything surgical I'm a super scaredy cat good luck with whatever you decide
hi
Alcohol is definitely a trigger for me but afib can come on without it. Yet sometimes I can have a couple of glasses, my limit, and be ok. Other times a sip can send me straight into it. I do risk it a bit but limit it as much as I can. Sometimes it’s difficult to avoid in certain social situations. So I would say drink as little as possible. As for garlic not heard of that being a problem
Best wishes
Jane
Thanks
I replied and then lost my reply? Maybe now two replies will turn up here? I am in permanent AF but never, that I know of experienced paroxysmal AF as was in persistent AF at diagnosis. At most I drink 3 half glasses of wine a week but on special occasions would maybe drink 2 or maybe even 3 full glasses. My Cardio nurses told me early on that if I wanted a couple of small glasses of wine wouldn't hurt. As for garlic I think I would rather give up wine than garlic and hot curries. Moderation is the watch word. I am not going to drink a whole bottle of wine - I never have and am unlikely to start now - though if consumed over a longer period of time it probably wouldn't hurt. I am not going to eat 6 whole roasted garlics in one go - I think that would make even me sick. Neither am I going to eat a hot curry for every meal. Moderation in everything and remember the old song 'a "little" of what you fancy does you good'
yes I agree moderation is the key
Trust the pharmacist. You are being over-cautious but if it helps you to be like that, that’s surely in itself helpful.
Of things that are eaten, very few indeed can have a direct effect on the heart and most things are absorbed very slowly from the intestines, anyway. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed directly from the stomach however but usually has no important effects on the heart. It does slightly alter blood pressure but then so do very many other things we do. It has no effect on AF in my or two friends’ cases and, if anything, helps with relaxation (in strict moderation!). Studies show it isn’t good to drink regularly or in excess but you know all that anyway m.
Garlic is reputed to be good for the circulation. That’s debatable but it is eaten often enough as part of a healthy diet.
Steve
Had 2 glasses of champagne at wedding last night and glass of fizz the night before with red wine. No problems at all. I’m not a drinker at the best of times so don’t go mad when I’m out. If heavy drinker then possibly this could trigger AF. Moderation is the thing and see how you feel.
no never been a heavy drinker before diagnosed with AF Neve had more than a couple of half glasses of wine a week not touched it since but my son who is very health conscious says when he has a few to drink his heart rate goes up on his Fitbit
I’ve been in permanent AF for several years now following 5 failed cardioversions and 1 failed ablation, I also have heart failure. I’m on several medications including warfarin that control everything and live an active happy life much of it spent in Spain where garlic and wine are in abundance!. I enjoy a glass or two of wine (never more than that) or a gin and tonic when I go out but would never get drunk. Garlic is in a lot of the food out here and I’ve never been told to avoid it. The thing I struggle with most with AF/heart failure is walking up hills (not stairs in our house) so I avoid those if possible but other than that I’m happy to say life is good at the minute so I’m enjoying it whilst I can but being sensible about it, I know my limits.
Reading the replies in this is amzing to me !
I enjoy drink on a regular basis 5 days a week , with no ill effects ! I must be extreemly lucky ?
My AF is permenent too with no real symptoms. I also indulge with garlic and chilli etc no problem . Good luck to you all !
Never been a trigger for me whatsoever - well, in the acute sense at least. My AF is familial (mother and both her sisters from late 30s). But I do tend to moderate these days as alcohol depletes the all-important magnesium. If and when I go permanent I'll definitely be enjoying a drink or three every evening though !
Alcohol was never a trigger for me but I cut it out completely when diagnosed, especially as it can exacerbate the effects of my anti arrhythmia meds and anticoagulant, so don't fancy testing that out.Same with grapefruit as well but nobody seems to ask about that 😁😁😁
yes I'm going to carry on cutting alcohol out had a scare few weeks ago had bad reaction to a nebuliser what they used on me for asthma my heart rate went to 210 ended up in ressus so not about to risk for a drink rather safe than sorry thanks for your reply
I had heard from several reliable sources that alcohol increases the occurence of AFib. That's for those that suffer from paroxysmal, that is. I also know from personal experience that it can actually trigger an AFib episode on the spot.
So in desperation, early last December, I went cold turkey and nary a drop passed my lips until last week. Unfortunately my AFib significantly ramped up in that time so my forebearance didn't seem to have made any difference. So last week I had a small glass of wine after a meal.....which was absolutely lush! And now I'm off the wagon - in a very moderate way, that is. But then, a couple of nights ago I had a tiny (think thimblefull) glass of Bailey's after dinner .....aaaand off we went. Bloody Afib! (are we allowed to swear...?)
So, who knows. It's a bear. (Another word comes to mind instead of 'bear' but I don't think I can get away with swearing twice in one post!)
Drink good wine without the additives , it’s those and sulphites that bring on the A F
Interesting, but I believe it's the alcohol as I've had a number of different types bring on AFib. I'm not generally a wine drinker and I don't believe I've ever had an episode triggered after drinking wine specifically.
yes you've made bmy mind up just not worth the risk is it
Oh how I miss a glass of chilled sauvignon blank 😔 my AF progressed over the years and having had 8 months of symptomatic persistent AF last year with a heart rate of 150 while waiting for an ablation I won't risk drinking alcohol. Instead I am learning to like cold green tea with a slice of lemon and feeling virtuous when I drink it 😄
hot chocolate does it for me
Hi
I used to drink red wine regularly but after reading about the most suitable alcoholic drinks to have with AF I have stopped drinking it. There is a lot of sugar in wine, beer and things like cocktails, Baileys etc. However, I was surprised to find that Gin, whisky and vodka are better. When I drink gin I use slimline tonic and when I have whisky I add caffeine free diet coke with lots of ice. Neither of these drinks bring on AF. In fact I find that these drinks are very relaxing and my heart rate is just fine. Obviously I don't go wild and I wouldn't dream of getting drunk; never have. I find my AF is more likely to be troublesome when I'm feeling stressed or when my stomach becomes distended, so I am thinking this would be carbohydrates to blame. We are all metabolically different so it's just about finding out what is good or bad for you. I'll be pouring a gin and tonic before my Sunday roast this evening. Cheers!
given that alcohol is a trigger I have stopped drinking entirely. It’s just not worth taking the risk. Although an occasional glass or half glass of wine should not be an issue.
Since I had my worst ever AF attack about 2 years ago now, I haven’t had a single sip of alcohol. It was too bad to want to repeat it. My son has bought me alcohol free wine, on one occasion, so that I didn’t feel out of things.
I would like to stress it was a single glass of a very nice red wine, not several, and not a binge.
didn't know there was alcohol free wine that's worth a thought was it alright taste wise
I read/heard somewhere that it is the Sulphites? in alcoholic drinks that can trigger Af. It is possible to get beer without them but i think it tends to be German larger which is more naturally brewed. I have given up Alcohol now as I was finding that I had episodes of Af over the weekends where i had had a drink.
Yes, sulphates and additives, just the same with processed food , don’t eat that , salt sugar also added , make everything as pure as possible
yes I avoid processed food always cook from scratch like sausages though but only have them once a fortnight
I don’t think drinks like vodka have them in. But beers and wines do
Jane
Yuc couldn't drink vodka 🙂
oh well Corona zero is really good if you like lager
Jane
oh yes like lager I put that on my treat listening thanks
Yes there is a range of wines, but they do tend to be quite expensive. Far more expensive than the real stuff. I haven’t had anything alcoholic to drink since that fatal gorgeous red wine, and don’t really miss it now. I used to love a chilled Baileys. Oh well! I don’t need another attack like that. Good luck.
yes to be honest I can quite happily do without out
I was taking Apixiban but had to change to Adoxipan ( similar) due to a severe itching reaction , anyway on both meds having alcohol at any strength (even a shandy) makes me feel quite unwell afterwards so I don’t touch any now after two episodes , I now enjoy fruit juice or hot Ribena or Horlicks etc
yes iv opted for no alcohol not had any sense diagnosed 3 months ago never drank much anyway like vimto drink lots of water decaf coffee etc
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