After a night of drinking, you suddenly feel chest pains. Naturally, your mind starts racing, and words like “heart attack” may come to the forefront. But is it really time for panic stations, or could it simply be your body reacting to having had a bit too much?
In this blog, we’ll explore these questions to help you understand what might be happening and guide you in seeking the right help if you’re experiencing chest pains after drinking alcohol.
What causes chest pain after drinking alcohol?
Chest pain after drinking alcohol can be alarming, but it can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from mild irritation to more serious health issues.
If you consume alcohol regularly or in large amounts, it’s important to understand the potential reasons behind these chest pains. While it could often be a mild reaction to the alcohol, there are instances where it might signal a more serious underlying condition.
Below, we explore some common reasons why chest pain may occur after consuming alcohol:
1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Alcohol is a known irritant to the stomach lining and can weaken the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES), which normally prevents stomach acid from rising into the oesophagus. When this sphincter weakens, stomach acid can flow back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and a burning sensation that may be felt as chest pain.
The chest pain from GERD may feel like a burning or tight sensation and is often mistaken for heart pain or a heart attack.
2. Alcohol-induced esophagitis
Alcohol can inflame and irritate the lining of the oesophagus. Over time, heavy drinking may lead to esophagitis, which is inflammation of the oesophagus. This inflammation can cause chest pain or discomfort, particularly after drinking alcohol.
The pain may be sharp or burning and often worsens when swallowing.
3. Heart issues
Heavy drinking can have both immediate and long-term effects on heart health. In some rare cases, even moderate consumption of alcohol can trigger irregular heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can cause chest discomfort or pain.
Long-term heavy drinking can weaken the heart muscle, leading to another condition known as cardiomyopathy. This condition can result in difficulty pumping blood effectively, which may lead to chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath or heart failure over time.
The chest pain associated with these heart issues can be felt as a dull ache, pressure or tightness in the chest.
4. Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it promotes the loss of fluids through urine. This can lead to dehydration, which can reduce the body’s ability to maintain healthy electrolyte levels (like potassium and magnesium). Electrolyte imbalances can contribute to muscle cramps and cause chest pain.
In this case, the chest pain might be mild but accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness and fatigue due to dehydration.
5. Alcohol-related pancreatitis
Excessive alcohol consumption is a known trigger for acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. In some cases, the pain from pancreatitis can radiate to the chest, mimicking heart-related chest pain.
The pain is typically severe and may worsen after eating or drinking. It may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
6. Anxiety or panic attacks
Alcohol can alter brain chemistry and exacerbate anxiety, especially during a hangover. Some people experience panic attacks after drinking, especially if they are prone to anxiety. Panic attacks can manifest as chest pain or tightness, making it difficult to distinguish from more serious heart issues.
In addition to chest pain, symptoms may include rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and dizziness.
7. Alcohol allergies or intolerance
Some individuals may have an allergy or intolerance to alcohol or specific ingredients in alcoholic beverages, such as sulfites. This can cause a range of symptoms, including chest pain, after drinking.
Other symptoms like facial flushing, hives, nausea or difficulty breathing often accompany chest pain from alcohol intolerance or allergy.
8. Alcohol withdrawal
In people who drink regularly or heavily, alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours to days after their last drink. Withdrawal can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and tremors, which can cause chest discomfort or pain.
Alcohol withdrawal-related chest pain is typically accompanied by other symptoms like shaking, sweating, agitation and, in severe cases, seizures.
How can I stop chest pains after drinking alcohol?
After drinking alcohol, chest pains can feel unsettling, but they’re commonly linked to irritation of the stomach lining or acid reflux.
Here are some tips you can follow to alleviate the pain potentially:
- Rehydrating by drinking water can help alleviate some of the discomfort.
- If you’re experiencing a panic attack, deep, calming breaths may relieve tightness in your chest.
- It’s also a good idea to avoid lying down too soon after drinking, as this can make acid reflux worse, leading to more intense pain.
- Consuming smaller, lighter meals after alcohol can also help reduce the likelihood of chest pain.
However, if the pain persists or intensifies, seeking medical advice is crucial, as chest pain could sometimes signal more serious issues, such as heart problems.
Understanding how your body reacts to alcohol and being mindful of any recurring symptoms can help you manage or avoid future discomfort. If these pains happen frequently, consider reducing your alcohol intake or stopping completely to see if it alleviates the problem altogether.
I am struggling to stop or reduce drinking alcohol
If you’ve read through advice on managing chest pains after drinking and found that our last tip is too hard to follow, it could be a sign that alcohol is playing a bigger role in your life than you might realise.
Alcohol addiction can creep up on anyone, often without them noticing until it’s already well-established. Recognising that something might be wrong is the first step toward getting the support you need. Here are some questions to reflect on:
- Have you tried cutting back on drinking but found it tough?
- Do you tend to drink more than you planned?
- Have you noticed withdrawal symptoms like shakiness or anxiety when you haven’t had alcohol?
- Do you spend a lot of time drinking or thinking about drinking?
- Are you continuing to drink despite problems it may be causing in your relationships, work or health?
If any of these resonate, it could be time to seek help. Remember, asking for support is a brave step, and there are many resources available to guide you toward recovery.
How can Oasis Runcorn help with alcohol addiction?
At Oasis Runcorn, we know how overwhelming alcohol addiction can be, and we’re here to support you through every step of recovery. Our treatment plans are personalised to meet your specific needs, offering a safe and supportive environment where you can detox and heal under the care of our compassionate team.
We take a holistic approach, addressing both the physical symptoms and the emotional challenges of alcohol addiction. This ensures that you receive comprehensive support tailored to your journey. With our experienced professionals by your side, you’ll be empowered to overcome alcohol addiction and regain control of your life.
Contact Oasis Runcorn today to begin your path to recovery and take the first step towards a healthier, alcohol-free life.
