Palpitations, Elevated Blood Pressure. Can Drinking Coffee Or Alcohol Cause This?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2012

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

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 Answered on

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a 41 year old male, blood pressure is normally around 117/72...lately I have been having small heart palpitations, nothing major, just feels like a sort of rush of adrenaline. Is this harmful? I'm normal weight etc 5'8 weigh 167Kilos, excersise and eat well...I notice is after drinking coffee or alcohol...if I don't drink those it seems to be fine?

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (1 hour later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query

There can be several causes of the palpitations you are having :
•     Dehydration
•     Drinking coffee and alcohol
•     Anxiety
•     Heart disease

In all probability, your palpitations are being caused by drinking coffee and alcohol
I would suggest the following:
a.     Keep yourself adequately hydrated. Have atleast 2-3 litres of water in a day.
b.     Eat a healthy, well balanced diet
c.     Exercise regularly.
If you continue to have these palpitations, I would suggest that you see your ECG) or a Holter monitor test.
I hope this answers your query. Please accept the answer in case you do not have follow up query.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (4 hours later)

Thank you for the response,

I made a small mistake with my weight, I weigh 67 kilos not 167.

I didn't realize dehydration may cause palpitations?

Just one follow up question, is my blood pressure ok for my age?

It ranges from minimum 112/64 all the way up to sometimes 130/76 Maximum. The average is 117/72? Is this ok for being 41 years of age?

Thanks for your time.

Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (2 hours later)

Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for the follow up.

Yes your BP readings are fine according to your age.

The blood pressure varies and fluctuates throughout the day and is affected by activities as exercise, food intake, stress and can increase or decrease accordingly.

Dehydration and not having enough fluids can cause palpitations.

I hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in you have follow up queries.

Wishing you Good health!

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Jyoti Patil