Can alcohol cause heart palpitations?

A flutter, thump, skipped beat or racing sensation may happen while drinking, later that night or the next day. Because the feeling does not reveal the rhythm, recurrent episodes deserve proper assessment.

Alcohol can change the balance of the autonomic nervous system and body salts, both of which influence heartbeat timing. Caffeine, nicotine, poor sleep, anxiety and some medicines may amplify the sensation. An irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation can present with palpitations, breathlessness, tiredness or dizziness.

Other conditions, including anaemia, an overactive thyroid and low blood glucose, can also present with palpitations. Finding that alcohol precedes an episode is useful information, but it does not exclude these alternatives.

Pause alcohol, sit somewhere safe and sip water if you can swallow normally. Avoid more caffeine, nicotine or strenuous activity during the episode. Record the start and end time, whether the pulse felt regular, associated symptoms, recent drinks, medicines and possible triggers.

Schedule a review for repeated, prolonged or worsening palpitations. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, medicines and blood tests, and may arrange an ECG or longer rhythm recording. People who drink heavily and experience withdrawal symptoms should obtain medical support rather than stopping abruptly on their own.

Call emergency services if palpitations occur with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, near-fainting, new confusion or weakness on one side. Urgent assessment is also warranted when a very fast or irregular heartbeat does not settle, especially if you have known heart disease.

Seek same-day clinical advice if episodes are becoming more frequent, wake you repeatedly, follow a medicine change or come with swelling, unusual fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance.

Ask whether the pattern suggests a rhythm monitor, ECG or blood tests, and whether any prescription or non-prescription medicine could contribute. Discuss a safe alcohol-reduction plan and what pulse or symptom changes should send you to emergency care.