How does alcohol effect the pacemaker?

i just had a pacemaker fitted for a slow beat four weeks ago, i am doing ok but i had a few pints yesterday and my heart raced and i had discomfort in my chest. i feel really bad today and am wondering does drink affect it? how much is safe to drink? thanks

4 Comments

hi!!

by Hot Heart - 2010-06-29 03:06:21

Alcohol doesnt affect the pacemaker, but of course it will affect the heart. Previously if your heart was realy slow you might not have noticed the palpitations so much when you are withdrawing. I drink, but dont binge, just stick to normal limits and as long as you arent on any meds or have any other heart disease other than a slow heart rate you should be ok. If worried though best to check with your doc!

HH

Loaded Pacemaker

by ElectricFrank - 2010-06-30 02:06:16

Need I say more?

cheers,

frank

Very true Zombie

by Hot Heart - 2010-07-02 05:07:13

but.................I am actually a qualified drug and alcohol counsellor with many years experience of working with people suffering from addiction.

As I type I have a tall glass by my side, lots of ice and a small amount of tia maria. I also work with young people with eating disorders.

Obviously because of your meds, some people because of their heart conditions, some because of their frame of mind should not consume alcohol, however, it is my belief that if there are no issues such as just mentioned that a wee tipple occasionally does very little harm.

Just my humble opinion!

HH

alcohol

by mendedheart - 2010-07-20 12:07:47

Its hard to believe some one with a heart problem that needs a pacermaker to survive would drink any amount of booze.
My heart meds instructions on bottle - do not drink alcohol taking this medication.
I think you better give up the booze its not the pacer having reaction. But the heart problem - geez

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Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.