Further to my original post. Thanks for all the sensible and encouraging replies. Of all the medication I checked it appears bisoprolol(2.5mg for me) indicates about alcohol on the info sheet.For me it would be just a very occasional pint of beer. I do miss having a pint occasionally with having dinner out.
Yes, I could do without it but I feel sometimes I deserve a treat!
I think the issue with beta blockers and alcohol is that they can both have the same effect in lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, with the risk being that it could become too low.
I doubt the odd beer is going to be an issue but be aware of the symptoms.
I've found that for me alcohol raises my heart rate slightly. Not an issue as even with just 1.25mg Bisoprolol, my HR is low 50s in the evening.
You're both right.
From link below:
"...alcohol DECREASES BLOOD PRESSURE initially (up to 12 hours after ingestion) and INCREASES it after that. Alcohol consistently INCREASES HEART RATE at all times within 24 hours of consumption."
The section "Key results" in the link below spells it out in more detail and differentiates between low, moderate and higher amounts of alcohol.
Mate you are probably like me, on loads of meds and wonder how it will effect you. Best way is to have half a pint, wait a while to see how your body reacts, then have another if you feel fine... Dont go mad and binge either, end of the day, its still a toxin.
no harm enjoying a bit of what you love ❤️
It’s the knowing when to stop that got us in trouble 🤣🤣🤣
👍
I was on Bisoprolol, RHR was in the very low 50’s dipping briefly into the 40’s. Alcohol had no impact. Due to adverse side effects I’ve changed to Carvedilol. RHR is slightly higher but otherwise no change.
I still enjoy the occasional pint, I’d say go for it.
My RHR is 45!
well being a ex semi alcoholic, have the odd pint now and again, but I’ve now found non alcoholic Guinness, taste exactly like Guinness without the bitterness , and you can drive home , I drink either 2 to 4 cans with no side effects. You can buy it in supermarkets, pubs ,and restaurants. And non alcoholic ghost ship not bad but only one as too much fizz .
I wish I could find a non alcohol wine that didn’t taste vile . Not keen on proseco , too fizzy , but would love a nice white
Have you tried Not Guilty pino grigio, has a bull dog behind bars on label. Get it from asda, morrisons and tesco. Best one I've found.
Thank you for the heads-up. I'll read the label online if I can find it and see if it's been adulterated with grape juice, which seems to be what ruins everything I've tried (including a rather pricey one available at Waitrose and favourably reviewed last Christmas in some journalist's taste test of 0% wine).
I heard there is some good non-alcoholic wine being made in California, but when I checked it wasn't available anywhere in the UK, grrrrr.
I feel your pain. Same here. They all taste like grape juice -- because they are made with juice to help sweeten and preserve the de-alcoholised wine. Some fizzy (the best I've had is 0% Freixenet rose; the white is less good) is better but I don't always want fizz.
Some good ones in Leclerc supermarkets, if you're ever over in France.
Also Grain d' Envie and Bonne Nouvelle - just in case the brands make it to UK.
I’ve also now switched to zero Guinness and really enjoy it and have the comfort knowing that it doesn’t affect my heart rate at all and no longer suffer with ridiculous hangovers and really no one knows the difference when it’s in a pint glass - fully recommend it.
Taste is better than the alcoholic Guinness, as there no bitterness with the non alcoholic Guinness and taste miles better 👍
Get out there and have a beer, I'm on bisoprolol and as long as you drink within reason and don't get drunk every night you'll be fine. It all depends how much you drink in that 1 session too if your swaying all over the place and the rooms spinning you might have heightened symptoms the next day.
Thank you. It would only be a pint of beer just when out for dinner or overnight in hotel. Probably once or twice a month.I'm not desperate but just like occasional beer as a treat.
I’m on bisoprasol, had a half cider on holiday
Hi, l take 2.5mg of Bisoprolol and have done for a long time now.My doctor just advised me to moniter how l felt if l had a drink,as it can lower your blood pressure too much,so far so good,if l had a reaction l would not have a drink,everyone is different.
Have you actually had a drink though?What would a "reaction" be?
Yes,l love my wine and have a drink most days and as it has not affected me or my blood pressure,l will continue to do so.I have my annual health check and so far so good,and my doctor is happy with this.
I think an occasional treat will be ok. 😊
I’m on Bisoprolol was hammered last night and the night before and probably today too Has long as you eat before drinking I don’t see a problem
I'm only talking one pint
If you search the whole Unlocked site, there are lots of discussions about alcohol with AF medication. The consensus is that an occasional pint won't hurt you.
This is my opinion (12 years of paroxysmal AF, became persistent after catching Covid in 2023, taking daily beta blocker + anti-arrhythmic + anticoag for the past year, had my first ablation six weeks ago):
I thought the problem (for me) was the interaction of alcohol with metoprolol, which says in the leaflet not to combine with alcohol because it will lower blood pressure too much -- as in, your heart can stop. That stopped me drinking anything at all for nine months until I asked my cardiologist whether I could have just one glass of champagne for my 60th birthday. He asked what drugs I was on and told me 'there should be no reason why you can't have an occasional glass of wine or two' We agreed that this means: no more than two small glasses, with food, no more than twice a week -- 'and if it puts you into fast AF, stop it.' It's never put me into fast AF but I err on the side of caution. I haven't had a drop for three months, since I was given the date for my ablation and then had the procedure. I love wine with food, and I miss it like hell. I am holding out until Kamala Harris defeats the abomination on 5 November (PLEASE, GOD), and then I will allow myself a small glass of champagne.
I looked up the effect of alcohol on heart rate/BP (not specifically while taking cardiac drugs) and found this clinical study (link at the bottom). I found a proper clinical study. The short version:
"...alcohol DECREASES BLOOD PRESSURE initially (up to 12 hours after ingestion) and INCREASES it after that. Alcohol consistently INCREASES HEART RATE at all times within 24 hours of consumption."
The section "Key results" in the link below spells it out in more detail and differentiates between low, moderate and higher amounts of alcohol. Three units (the average in a pint of lager) probably counts as moderate, I'm guessing.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Thank you for that. Sorry to sound thick- but how does one recognise "fast AF"?
You're not thick for asking questions -- I've been on quite a learning curve myself. You might recognise fast AF (AF with heart rate over 110--120; for me it's 110 because my normal rate is in the 50s) if your chest is banging, you're breathless or you feel dizzy. Everyone is different, but those are often big clues.
Some people get good at taking their own pulse. Alternatively, do you have a smart watch? You can buy something called a Kardia device or download a Kardia or similar app that gives you your own personal, portable ECG on your phone. This will tell you exactly what's going on with your heart rate.
Thank you
My meds say refrain from alcohol, but I have the odd pint and have no issues.
Moderation is key I think.
Yes, I agree
Go for your pint as it is relatively harmless in small quantities, if like previous answers you are hammered for four nights in a row, or the room is spinning!! then even without any medication you are doing yourself some serious harm. Yep a pint or two is fine.
Thank you
2 Year Anniversary of giving up alcohol! 
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