Drinking alcohol can lead to a faster heartbeat, which may be a normal physiological response or a sign of impaired bodily functions. Alcohol stimulates the nervous system, causing excitement and increasing the burden on the heart and liver. When alcohol consumption exceeds a certain level, it can even lead to confusion. Therefore, if you experience a rapid heartbeat after drinking, it is advisable to stop drinking immediately and consume a glass of milk or sobering tea to regain clarity. However, it is important to avoid taking a shower after drinking.

Reasons for Accelerated Heart Rate After Drinking:

1. Drinking alcohol can cause the sympathetic nervous system to become excited, leading to an increase in heart rate. Alcohol also dilates blood vessels, resulting in an increase in vascular capacity. However, the body's blood volume does not increase, leading to a relatively low perfusion state. To meet the body's blood supply needs, the heart must compensate by increasing its rate to facilitate blood flow and satisfy the body's demands, leading to accelerated heartbeat after drinking. Additionally, alcohol can induce hypoglycemia, which can also cause an increased heart rate, often accompanied by sweating, paleness, and weakness in the limbs.

2. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to heart enlargement, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and heart failure, all of which can cause an increase in heart rate. These conditions are often accompanied by symptoms such as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, exertional dyspnea, waking up due to suffocation during sleep, inability to lie flat, and edema in the lower extremities. Echocardiography can reveal enlargement of the entire heart.

3. Drinking alcohol can increase blood volume and heart load. If there is coronary artery stenosis, the myocardium may experience ischemia and hypoxia due to insufficient blood supply, leading to compensatory tachycardia.

4. Alcohol can interfere with gluconeogenesis, leading to hypoglycemia. This hypoglycemia-induced by alcohol can also cause an increased heart rate, often accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, paleness, and weakness in the limbs.

5. Excessive alcohol consumption or vomiting can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hypokalemia.