Can food or drinks cause arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Have you ever downed a Starbucks venti latte, double-shot espresso, or a five-hour energy type drink and suddenly felt your heart pounding on your chest like Mark Wahlberg’s in The Fighter? That’s because a big dose of caffeine can cause a bout of atrial fibrillation (AF). Excessive alcohol can also cause AF (that means more than one drink for the ladies, and two for the gents per day). And remember those five food felons I talk about so often? They can also lead to AF.Have you ever downed a Starbucks venti latte, double-shot espresso, or a five-hour energy type drink and suddenly felt your heart pounding on your chest like Mark Wahlberg’s in The Fighter? That’s because a big dose of caffeine can cause... More -
Dr. Douglas Severance answered:Alcohol, caffeine, and over-the-counter sinus or cold medications can all lead to arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, such as in atrial fibrillation. For some people, half a cup of coffee can trigger the irregular, fast heart rates of atrial fibrillation. Drinking too much alcohol at one time may trigger arrhythmias in some people who are sensitive to alcohol. Taking decongestants for sinus problems can also result in a rapid and/or irregular heartbeat.
Stopping the alcohol, caffeine, and sinus or cold medicines should allow the heartbeat to go back to its normal rhythm. If you still notice that your heartbeat is rapid and/or irregular, call your doctor and get it checked out. Working with your doctor, you can find the best medications and treatments to help resolve your situation.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulAlcohol, caffeine, and over-the-counter sinus or cold medications can all lead to arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, such as in atrial fibrillation. For some people, half a cup of coffee can trigger the irregular, fast heart rates of... More
