Many people experience a rapid heart rate, palpitations, or a pounding heart after consuming alcohol. According to Master, Doctor Duong Thi Thao, from the Cardiology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, this is a common cardiovascular system reaction as the body processes ethanol from alcoholic beverages. The body increases its metabolism to eliminate alcohol, leading to various changes in blood sugar, hormones, and blood water content. These fluctuations make the heart work harder and beat faster to meet the body's demands.

Ethanol in alcohol also directly impacts the heart and the nervous system that controls heart rate, making the heart prone to instability. Individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions or a history of arrhythmias may experience episodes of rapid heart rate and irregular heartbeats—a phenomenon known as "holiday heart syndrome"—even after consuming a large amount in a short period.

Furthermore, alcohol has a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration. When blood volume decreases, the heart must pump faster and harder to maintain circulation, intensifying the sensation of palpitations.

Alcohol in alcoholic beverages can cause an increased or unstable heart rate. Image created by AI.

According to Doctor Thao, in healthy individuals, a rapid heart rate or palpitations after drinking alcohol are usually temporary, subsiding once the body eliminates the alcohol. However, for those with underlying cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, or who are taking medications that affect the cardiovascular system, alcohol can worsen symptoms and trigger dangerous arrhythmias.

Prolonged alcohol consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Recurrent arrhythmias create conditions for blood clot formation in the heart, raising the risk of stroke. Individuals who have experienced a rapid heart rate after drinking alcohol should limit these beverages. Additionally, patients should seek medical examination to check their cardiovascular health.

If participation in a social event is unavoidable, individuals should control their alcohol intake to a minimum, drink slowly, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and alternate with water to prevent dehydration. After drinking, resting, practicing slow breathing, or light walking can help stabilize the heart rate. Those with a history of arrhythmias should avoid other stimulants like tobacco, coffee, or energy drinks.

Ly Nguyen