Does all alcohol trigger a heart arrhythmia or are some alcohols worse than others? A bit freaked out about drinking now.

[braziljjay]

I've had 2 arrhythmia episodes coincide with me drinking red, shitty wine from this store and a glass of Irish whiskey. On another day when I drank beer, I was okay.

I should also mention that the two times I drank the harder stuff and had a triggered irregular heartbeat, I was anxious, emotionally stressed and so drained, exhausted those days and still pushed my body and mind.

I'd like to have a drink as its Christmas so wondering if beer is okay or lower alcohol percentage based drinks or are all alcoholic drinks equal?

Thanks

[perkman]

Can't you drink a non-alcoholic drink? I used to drink and found out it's just not worth it. It's a problem for most of us fibbers. I have been almost a year now without alcohol and don't miss it. It takes awhile but you may find that you're happier without it. Plus there is more evidence showing just one drink a day can elevate your chance for cancer.

Best Wishes

[Ernest76]

Once triggered by alcohol, in my experience, any alcohol will bring it on up to 48 hours after consumption. There are plenty of alcohol free wines and beers out there now. Stay well and sociable. People will respect you for addressing your problems. I often drink water and quip it's gin!

[sotolol in reply to Ernest76]

Nice one

[Ernest76]

I found the higher alcoholic content the more likely an attack. Better to drop alcohol altogether and even after ablation.

[Polly159]

The wine/beer reaction is interesting. Like you, I can hardly take even a sip of wine but it triggers afib, but beer is usually OK. Malt/whisky also out of the question except for minuscule amounts. I now go for really long periods alcohol free. I don't even risk beer on any kind of regular basis, but choose a good alcohol free lager (some are better than others!)

In think it's also true that, for example as you said 're stress/business, there can be multiple factors in operation and it's hard to isolate the culprit.

I'm finding at the moment that being really disciplined about work/rest balance (ie taking it easy/foot off the gas as someone said, when I need to, is really helping. And also now I'm mainly alcohol-free, I can (other things being equal) afford the odd refreshment. (Christmas Day enjoyed 2 cocktails with no ill effects.) But as they say everyone is different and we all go through different stages with any number of things 'working together' to form the 'rich tapestry' that is the AFIB experience.

All the best.

Polly

[Avrnt]

I can’t drink white wine and Costa coffee gives me ectopic

I can drink spirits - love to know the reason

[TinCool]

I'm fine with beer and wine. I don't tend to drink all that much. I go months without a drop and then may have a few beers down the pub. The last time I had a spirit my heart rate increased to around a 100 bpms and didn't feel so good so don't bother with spirits any more. We're all different I guess.