Drinking a Beer with BV ICD CRT implant

I am a 54 year old man who is on my 2nd device in three years. I had a dual lead pacemaker installed originally, and now had to be upgraded. Over a week ago I recieved the BV ICD and am on CRT with it. I had developed cardiomyopathy for some unknown reason and had to be on a life vest for over four months. Primary doctor believes it's due to a virus? I am in recovery, and am feeling good. Still a little sore in the upper left shoulder as the device and insicion heal in place. I am not a drinker of a lot of alcohol, but I do enjoy one beer each night when I get home from work. I have read about the negative effects alcohol can have on the heart. Has anyone had any problems with drinking one beer like I do with their ICD device? Thanks. 

3 Comments

Moderate

by Benjijohn - 2019-04-28 03:30:36

I am on my second  rts due to similiar reasons

I also enjoy glass of wine or whiskey every other night. My doctors advised me that everything was okey as long as I drank moderately. Which meant a glass day was fine. Standard glass of course not a jug lol

surely I have gone over board at times (weddings, reunions etc). Nothing bad actually happened, but In my experience the hangover effects were 100 times worse than pre crtd. And I never did that again over the past 4 years

I think  drinking moderately helps my stress level as well. But at the end, this  is my story. As each person is different, your own doctor will give you the best answer as s/has full knowledge of your situation. 

I

Moderation in everything

by AgentX86 - 2019-04-28 23:09:04

I was your age when I had my first bout with Afib and only bout with HF.  Doctor said NO ALCOHOL so I stopped completely.  After my CABG, 4.5 years ago, my cardiologist said I could have one a day (didn't say one of what - bottle, quart, keg?) but SWMBO said "any size you want but one less than what he said". ;-) 

Anyway, the PM or ICD, or whatever, isn't a reason to not drink but the underlying condition may be.  Some doctors will suggest ONE, for the reasons you state.  Others believe it's all bad.  My theory is that anything in moderation is good and everything to excess is bad (including dieting).  All that said, I find it's easier to drink zero than one of anything. 

Update on original comment

by davbrn1765 - 2019-04-30 20:38:36

Thanks for the responses. I did drink a beer finally, and felt no ill effects. I only drink one a day, or one every other day, so I don't think I need to worry. Will stick with just one. Thanks again.

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