Most people enjoy a cup of coffee to start the day or a glass of wine to unwind. These are common parts of modern life. However, if you have ever felt your heart flutter, skip a beat, or race after drinking coffee or alcohol, you’ve experienced the direct link between common stimulants and your heart’s electrical system. For people already prone to arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AF) or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), these everyday habits can be a major trigger. Heart palpitations
The short-circuit caused by caffeine
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant. It works by blocking adenosine, a chemical that normally slows heart rate. When you drink caffeine, your body gets a general boost, but this also increases the firing rate of the heart’s electrical system.
For a healthy person, this just feels like a slight buzz. But if your heart’s wiring is already sensitive, this jolt can push it into an irregular rhythm, causing palpitations.
Dr Begley, as a specialist in cardiac electrophysiology, frequently sees how caffeine intake affects heart rhythm disorders. For some, simply cutting back on that extra espresso can dramatically reduce episodes of fast or irregular heartbeats.
Alcohol – a known trigger for heart trouble
Alcohol poses a different kind of risk. Sometimes known as the “holiday heart syndrome” among cardiologists, the association between heavy alcohol intake and rhythm problems, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), is well-established.
Alcohol affects your heart rhythm in several ways: it can speed up the heart, increase blood pressure, and cause electrical changes in the atrial muscle. Even moderate, regular drinking can increase your risk over time. If you have been diagnosed with an arrhythmia, you may notice that alcohol is a reliable trigger for your symptoms.
Your heart specialist can guide you on safe consumption. For some patients, cutting out alcohol completely is the clearest path to achieving a stable heart rhythm and avoiding further medical interventions.
Assessing your triggers with a specialist
You do not have to guess what is causing your heart palpitations. The goal of Dr Begley’s work in cardiac rhythm management is to move beyond simply managing symptoms with medication. He uses precise diagnostic tools, such as advanced ECG monitoring and electrophysiology studies, to pinpoint the exact origin of your arrhythmia.
Once the underlying condition is diagnosed, Dr Begley can talk you through all options, from simple lifestyle changes like managing stimulants to procedures like catheter ablation that can offer a permanent fix. Understanding your personal triggers is a powerful step towards controlling your heart health, not letting your habits control you.
Appointments and treatment for heart palpitations
If you are experiencing heart palpitations or other worrying symptoms after consuming everyday stimulants, you should consult with a specialist. Book in with Dr Begley today.