Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Cardiology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
A few years ago, I experienced heart arrhythmia for the first time. I still have them up to this day. I visited my doctor and cardiologist multiple times to examine my heart. The answer was always the same: It is due to stress; we cannot see anything abnormal. Now, in this time span, I started drinking heavily, although this is supposed to be bad for the heart. However, drinking always causes the palpitations just to go away, while the medication (Bisoprolol, Clozan, Tranxene) does not. I do not know what to do anymore, I know drinking is not the solution, but nothing else helps. I workout like a madman, and I eat healthy, but I am so stressed out all the time, and the pills just do not help in.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Please send me your ECG (electrocardiography) and Holter monitoring report. Get echocardiography also done, as alcoholics have damaged hearts.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had to look up the report of the previous examination, it is three years old, but the doctor says it is not neccesary to do it again since I am still young, but I want to know what is wrong with my heart.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Your Holter report done three years ago is normal. Alcohol is a cardiotoxic, hepatotoxic, and neurotoxic drug. Recent studies show no amount of alcohol is safe. Alcohol damages the heart and causes alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which weakens the heart and causes arrhythmia. Gradually taper down and quit this menace of alcohol from life. Regarding palpitations, count your pulse rate. If it is more than 100 per minute or irregular, get an ECG (electrocardiography) done, especially at the time when you have palpitations. Get an echocardiography done to see your heart's mechanical function.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for providing all the information.
It took me some time to look it up, but I discovered that I had actually undergone an echocardiogram in the past, along with the other examinations. I took a screenshot and attached it as a file. The report is in another language, but I have translated it using online application, and it reads:
'Normal dimensions of the 4 cavities. Normal systolic and diastolic left ventricular function. E/e' 5.4. The various valves are morphologically and functionally normal. No indications of pulmonary hypertension. The hepatic veins are not dilated.'
I really do not want to drink this much, but please, doctor, how is it possible that the arrhythmias and palpitations go away when I drink? I cannot find an explanation for this.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The echo report is normal. One possible explanation might be that you have developed a dependence on alcohol, which temporarily calms your brain and induces relaxation. However, it is important to note that this effect is short-term, and in the long run, alcohol is known to be arrhythmogenic. Additionally, any minor benefits experienced by some individuals cannot outweigh the life-threatening side effects of alcohol, including liver damage, cancer, and stroke.
I hope this information will help you. Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
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Cardiology
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