HomeAnswersCardiologypvcHow is alcohol related to premature ventricular contractions?

I feel my PVCs disappear after having an alcoholic drink. How is it possible?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At August 22, 2021
Reviewed AtJuly 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had PVCs for the past six months. I was convinced, saying that the doctors have missed something or I need further testing. Some days are far worse than others. Some of my triggers include high sugar foods, stress, and heavier meals. I find, having an alcoholic drink makes them disappear, which makes no sense. Attached are my tests reports. What else should I do? Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Do you have any other symptoms like chest pain, snoring, interrupted sleep, or excessive daytime dizziness? It is usually a benign and non-serious issue in the majority of individuals. So with an echocardiogram being normal, the probability of severe cardiac issues is low. An echocardiogram is enough in most patients; however, if there are any suspicions on echocardiogram, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is needed. As your echocardiogram does not show any abnormalities, MRI is not necessary. At maximum, an echocardiogram may be repeated after three to six months. Regarding cause, they are benign and present without any detectable cause in most individuals. However, we should additionally rule out the possibility of ischemic heart disease by undergoing a stress test. It is advisable to do a thyroid profile test also. I guess your obesity might have some role to play in the cause. It would help if you were on beta-blockers like Metoprolol or Calcium channel blockers like Diltiazem to suppress these symptoms. Also, it would be best if you focused on weight loss, which may be helpful in their resolution. I hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts. Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for the reply. I do not have chest pain or any other symptoms with it. I was tested for sleep apnea. I have mild sleep disorder but only on sleeping with my back, so, I am instructed to sleep on side or stomach. How long should I stay on the beta blocker? And is it fine to have resting heart rate more than 50 bpm? I am supposed to start 25 mg of Metoprolol but I am just scared of side effects. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It will help if you focus on regular exercises to lose some weight. You can still take beta-blockers and keep monitoring your heart for few days after starting it. It has to be taken for few weeks, then maybe tapered off. Beta-blockers usually do not cause significant side effects in the majority of individuals. All the best.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode
Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Cardiology

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