Irregular Heartbeat, Taking Metaprolol, EKG Done. Advice On Alcohol Consumption?

Posted on Sun, 2 Oct 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 Answered on

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband 69 years old 178 pounds 5 feet 9 tall perfect bloodpressure, perfect blood sugar level, no blockages is taking 50 mg Metaprolol for fast/irregular heartbeat. He cannot feel this himself but it was seen on is EKG. Can he drink a limited amont o alchohol a day?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Fast or irregular heart rate in most of the cases is due to ventricular tachycardias.
The high risk factors for heart problems include obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, alcohol intake, a strong family history, physical inactivity, uncontrolled diabetes, high C-reactive protein, uncontrolled stress and anger, etc.
Tachycardia and irregular heart beats if combined with a regular alcohol intake increases your risk of having a heart problem. It is best to avoid it as much as you can.
Daily intake is definitely not recommended.
Hope this answers your query.I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T