I'm late 30s. Recently diagnosed afib. On medication for it. For about a week now. Pulse rate has appeared normal all week since. On 2 bisoprolol every day, 1.25mg. A lot due to high stress anxiety but also binge drinking every weekend. Doctors said cut drinking and smoking down. How about having drinks just once a week. I normally have two heavy nights. Got a bit of tolerance to spirits. But always mixed. I'm to avoid caffeine, so if I had 2 or three whisky's and diet ginger ale , then when out just have two more , I wonder if that would either raise my heart rate or lower it. Before diagnosed I would normally have 3 or 4 quite strong drinks at home then a a few more once out. This normally would be twice a week. People seem to say about drinking a couple every day. Would it be worse to just have more in just one night. Instead of every day. I've never had heart problems or breayhing problems before. I'm not asthmatic. A bit worried if I have a lot Google says, it can lead to strokes but I just want one night to enjoy and relax. Probably sound like an alcoholic but I never drink spirits neat. Its always with a mixer.
Drinking alcohol spirits whilst on bi... - British Heart Fou...
Drinking alcohol spirits whilst on bisoprolol
Hi Jackdaniels
I've just conducted a little bit of research.
I don't drink that much these days after my heart attack in December 2018, however on Wednesday I met up with a couple of friends I hadn't seen for a while and had a few drinks. 3 pints of Carlsberg (3.8%) to be exact, then went onto alcohol free Becks and coffee - no ill effects.
On Wednesday I went off to cardio rehab gym, where they checked my heart rate - a steady 60bpm as normal then took my blood pressure (it's normally around 120/75) - yesterday 151/91, we both looked at the reading in disbelief, took it again 149/93, then took it manually - still 150/92 - at which point I thought I'd mention that I'd had a few pints the previous day -arr that will be it them!!
Quite amazed my BP would be that high almost 24 hours after 3 pints, so took it again at home last night, 136/79, this morning 129/79, tonight at 8pm 115/70 - heart rate about the 60 bpm at all times.
I've learnt something here, not withstanding that I'm on a heap of meds including one for BP, I'm gobsmacked to realise that having 3 pints at lunchtime on Wednesday has left me with elevated blood pressure for over 2 days, that would suggest that if I went out for a few drinks 2 or 3 times a week, despite not smoking, having a healthy diet, good bmi and plenty of exercise I'd be likely to have permanently elevated blood pressure.
I'm not going to lecture anyone on smoking, drinking, diet et al, as I've been guilty of excess in every department. You have to decide what you consider you want to do, but perhaps you'd like to consider the figures above or maybe if you have a blood pressure monitor carry out the same experiment yourself before and after a few drinks. I know I'll be heading back down the alcohol free option.
PS - I'm not on bisoprolol,but am on Carvedilol - also a beta-blocker
It would be interesting to know the result for a pint a day for three days! However, it sounds like it may be right. A friend's brother resumed fairly heavy drinking once some weeks past bypass surgery. He did not make a year!
This is quite a surprise, only drinking Carlsberg - just about the lowest abv you can get, 3 pints over about 4 hours with some food in the middle. For it to take 50 hours for my BP to return to normal is truly frightening - I don't think anyone has offered this scenario of what alcohol does! Definitely sticking to the alcohol free lines, learnt a lesson there, or as Ken Dodd said:-
"My act is very educational. I heard a man leaving the other night, saying: 'Well, that taught me a lesson.'"
I think your friends's brother going back to heavy drinking weeks after bypass surgery is rather sad. Oh well each to their own I suppose!
It was but just as sad was another friend's partner who resumed smoking - they also did not survive a year!
On a more positive note a friend's father is over forty years post bypass and doing well for someone in their mid-nineties as is another friend's mother of a similar age who suffered a heart attack also over forty years ago.
It is sad - first day I was in hospital I had a patch slapped on my arm - no questions - just patch on arm - I was in no condition to say anything even if I'd wanted to (which I didn't).
Today is actually 400 days as a non smoker. Was in Arrowe Park Hospital on Monday (yes that one) I live about 2 miles away as the crow flies and there were about 20 people outside in their dressing gowns puffing away on a freezing cold day - so glad I've kicked that habit
Well done! 😀👍
You have to fight your way through all the smokers sometimes there don’t you, Russell. Now it’s the media as well, we drove passed yesterday & they seemed to be everywhere including on the main road!
Jean
Hi Jean
There's always a few outside, but last Monday there must have been 20 or so, and as you say, the media has joined in now. Got phone call from St Caths yesterday - starting in West Kirby Monday 3rd Marc
h with Antonio running it.
Russell
I had to wait a few weeks before I went there as well. I think I finished at St Caths in November & didn’t start at the Concourse until just before Christmas. I know I finished towards the end of March because it was just before we went on holiday.
We’re off to Lanzarote at the end of February for 10 days this year.
Jean
Lanzarote in February sounds lovely, be nice to get away from our winter for a while, hope you enjoy it.
I'll have to break my 12 weeks in the Concourse as I'm on the first flight out to Greece on 3rd May for 2 weeks - 13 weeks tomorrow - not that I'm counting 😊
Russell
Jean, we are in Lanzarote at the moment for 10 nights, back next week. Best holiday I’ve had for years - we don’t usually go away until late Spring and this has been an eye opener to get some sun.
On the subject of demon drink, I have had some wine and a brandy or 2 every night, so dread to think what that’s doing for my BP. Only drink occasionally at home. Fiona
Glad you are enjoying it. We haven’t been there before so we are really looking forward to it. We fly from Liverpool on 25th February. We used to live in South East Spain until 3 & a half years ago & that can be cold at this time of year so we fancied the warmth this years, we are staying in Playa Blanca.
We drink red wine but dilute it with gaseosa over there & I try not to drink too much since my bypass.
Have a safe journey home.
Jean
We are in Playa Blanca and did a trip to the volcanoes today which was fascinating. Was planning to walk to a local bar to watch the end of the Ireland v Scotland rugby match when we got back but realised Ireland were well ahead 😭so didn’t bother!
My in-laws and my parents lived in Los Boliches (Fuengirola) post retirement -at separate times - but both came home for health reasons. We’ve been going to Greece for years and decided we would try something different this year.
My heart attack was over 12 months ago. I want to do rehab at St Caths because I can get there but told I have to do Countess of Chester!!!!! No bus to that .
It was the same here in the States. Patients with IVs, oxygen tanks and open gowns smoking as many cigarettes as they could before they froze to death.
Now most hospitals have gone to a smoke free campus and have installed cameras at the front doors and security guards strictly enforce the rule.
Our cardiologist won’t accept patients any longer who smoke after a procedure. He bluntly tells you it’s a waste of his time and theirs. Every cigarette is another nail in your coffin. It’s tough love but it’s a reality.
A number of hospitals here have made the grounds smoke free, Arrowe Park I assume either haven't or no one is trying to enforce it.
As an ex-smoker I agree with the stand of your cardiologist - there's little point in being treated if you insist on continuing to smoke. After my heart attack/cardiac arrest I really didn't need to be persuaded to pack it in!
Signs say that Arrow Park Grounds are smoke free but no one seems to enforce it.
Can't say I've spotted the signs, they definitely don't enforce it, crowds around the main entrance, the seats along the car park and down by the bus stop.
I can’t say I’ve noticed any signs but I’ve not really looked. I wish they would enforce it at the entrance & at the bus stops, it was awful there the other week. I wish they’d enforce the parking there as well, you take your life in your hands sometimes the way some cars block the pavements.
Jean
Hi Spirit
I am just starting to think this through.
Is it the Alcohol that caused the Increase or simply the Volume do me a favour and drink 3 pints of water then lets see what happens LOL
Good question. I think it must be the alcohol, would like to rise to the challenge but think I'm going to decline the offer of 3 pints of water 😎
LOL
Hi jackdaniels
There definitely is a correlation between alcohol & heart problems in my case.
IM 48 & had an afib episode in November where I woke up with a bad headache & a my heart was racing.
Long story short...ambulance crew were shocked to find my heart rate was a steady 225 bpm (normally 80 ish).
I asked what could have caused it & they said the one small beer I had with dinner the night before could have been a trigger.
I’m also on bisoprolol, blood pressure tablets & now a blood thinner to prevent stroke.
Yes, when I've had alcohol I notice that my resting heart rate is about 6 points higher (at least). I wear a fitbit so am able to view results on the app. My BP is also higher after alcohol. I now have an app on my phone where I can put my BP results which allows me to see how long it is increased for. When I go out (rarely) I have one alcoholic drink but the next one is sparkling water (you could just have coke.) and that's then repeated. Looking at these results has really made a difference to my drinking habits. We are responsible for our own health.
Alcohol is a known trigger for AF . Reassessing what you want from life and avoiding becoming a stroke statistic may or may not be your worry but AF only goes one way,and that’s not improving
I would look at completing the AUDIT tool on line to decide if I have any questions about my alcohol consumption and assess how to survive with my health intact.
Hi Jack daniels, different condition from yours, AVR, but can relate to your question. I used to love a few beers/vodkas before I had my heart problem and if you have ever been to Belfast you know a few isn't 2 or 3!!!😁😁, you could say I had a tolerance to the alcohol as well but it was just that I could handle my booze from years of practice!!🤣🤣
I got a mechanical valve as I was only 39 at the time which meant warfarin for life and alcohol can affect your INR, having said that a couple of times in the last year ( and I do mean 2)I have had 5 or 6 pints of Guinness while out with friends. Good at the time but definitely not worth it, my INR was fine but increased heart rate, felt groggy for a few days etc etc.
I very rarely even have a pint now and I do not miss it one bit, its been a big change in lifestyle and socialising but I feel 100 times better for it. It was a bit difficult at first, not stopping the booze, but making the transition of going to do something else than go to the pub/social club. Alcohol is a big part of the culture in Northern Ireland.
There is also some good alternatives to drink out there and I have found Heineken alcohol free to be good, you couldn't tell it was an alcohol free beer.
I wish you all the best for the future but remember to do what's best for you.
If you decide alcohol is not worth the risk you can have endless amusement watching those that do indulge.
It is a personal choice once you have weighed up the risks but certainly if you go on to need interventions not just pills to control your issues then it would be sad for the NHS ( i.e. me and you) to spend thousands on you and you to carry on winging it.
Hi Jackdaniels. Here’s what the BHF has to say about drinking. In summary it’s best avoided and saving up your limit to have a heavy night isn’t good for you. bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...
Thank you for that link,just the wakeup call I needed.
Also bit of a binge drinker but just read the link provided by NorthantsSteve and will def.change my ways.Do read it,very informative.Best of luck.
I celebrated the end of my Dry January last night with one glass of white wine and one can San Miguel. Before Dry Jan I would sink a bottle of wine every other night, plus spirits, with no perceived effects. I'm on bisoprolol. Last night I barely slept, felt truly ill, heart thumping heavily, could feel the alcohol fighting with the bisoprolol, really thought I'd done some damage. I used to love my wine. I'm now embarking on Dry February, and doubt I'll ever want to drink again! So the body builds up quite a degree of tolerance, but underneath I don't doubt that alcohol is wreaking (spelling?) revenge! I felt deprived of my right to drink after HA and stent, am now on multiple medications, and altho I stopped smoking immediately, I found it really hard to reduce alcohol intake, which had increased dramatically due to highly stressful job. I've ditched that too! It takes a while to get our heads around the fact that the old habits have got to stop if we want to maximise our health and wellbeing for as long a future as possible.
You are having a laugh right? Do you expect the NHS to repair you if you continue?? drinkaware.co.uk give it a read.
For someone that says they don't have a drinking problem you certainly are trying to justify your drinking.
Life choices are all yours. Have at it.
Best advice I can give is the advice my electrophyisiologist gave me, stop caffiene and drinking. My Afib came on after a rare drink of whisky when I came home at the end of a cold day. It took 2 years and two heart stop starts plus two major 5 hour coranory ablations to get out of Afib. Following the advice given I am now nearly two years free of Afib.
All this having gone nearly twenty years from my only heart attack before the first incident of Afib. I can tell you do not want either a heart attack or a stroke, once you have had one you will never be the same again.
Thank you. I've looked at the NHS site and yes very few do benefit from it, mainly woman over 55 apparently, so I'm good! It does also say that there is no one alcohol that is more beneficial than another so that debunks the red wine is good for you theory!
I really thought that those on BP medication had to be careful as alcohol lowers the BP even further and I've no idea where I got that from!
I think I might now have to identify as a woman in that case! I thought that BP was lowered too because arteries were further dilated. Live and learn.
Opioids such as morphine and heroin suppress your breathing rates.
You can have a Respiratory arrest- stop breathing if given too much morphine.
I hope they mentioned cocaine too!
If you value your health you should really give up alcohol or at least limit it to very little. You can have a good night out drinking non alcoholic drinks and enjoying the company.
This may sound a bit flippant though it isn't meant to be but I don't get that alcohol is a depressant. I used to drink far toooo much when I was younger and it never affected me in such a way. But I would guess that if you are depressed then alcohol would probably exacerbate that feeling
I do feel that on reflection some of the comments on this thread may have appeared a little harsh, including mine. I have decided to let myself off to a degree being as I have always tried to keep myself fit, run, cycled, played squash and so on, and not allowed myself to become overweight or certainly smoked, and yet still I got clobbered with Atherosclerosis, a condition I have come to despise, although the OP's condition is obviously another form of Heart disease. What does hack me off is that I seem to be in the same boat as folks that have, and continue to abuse themselves, but hey ho, I guess that is life. Alcohol is a drug at the end of the day. It would be nice though, if the OP would at least come back on here and respond to some of the comments, which on the whole have been heartfelt and very helpful.
Hi who knows how long we have regardless of what you do right or wrong?Well who does really know? At the end of the day it is your life,if you want to take risks that is your choice.I also take the same medication,have had a very life with lots of anxiety and stress.The fact that you have a tolerance to spirits is not good,but that is your choice.I enjoy a wine and have a couple of glasses most days,but have never smoked.I wish you well and hope that as you are only in your 30's that you have many more years ahead.
Yes, that is true, but is there not a responsibility here to "do your bit" once you have been helped so much? The NHS is creaking at the seams, and a significant part of it will be people who have, to a degree, brought things upon themselves? We only have to look around us at the number of people who are allowing themselves to become obese, even schoolchildren, and this will put even more pressure on the NHS. I watched my father suffer with what would have been exactly the same as I have now got, and then have a final MI. Fortunately for me 45 years later I have been "sort of" cured, and I am massively grateful. I feel it is down to me to now do my bit by trying as much as is possible to make sure there is not a repeat trip to the cat lab. Obviously none of us know what the future will bring but we do owe it to ourselves and everyone else concerned (including the NHS) to do all we can. I think Prada47's comments below are very good, I still like a drink myself but to carry this to excess, and to smoke, it nothing short of stupid and irresponsible in my opinion.
Hello Jack
1 Alcohol is one of the most difficult questions in that if you are only having one or two it has to be because you like the Taste.
2 Or it has to be Social to be one of the Crowd or
3 Because you want to get Stoned because you like the effect of being Stoned
I think I can be either 1 2 or 3 depending on how I feel at the time which is something that is controlled by my Brain not my Heart mmmmmm
Is alcohol more important than your life?
Hi I’m in my late 30s and alcohol was a trigger for my AF.
Not usually during but often the next few days after. I don’t drink anymore (at least for the foreseeable future).
Advice around drinking alcohol with a heart condition 
bisoprolol 
Bisoprolol withdrawal 
Bisoprolol 
