Posted by Joseph Costa Jr on January 16, 2003 at 16:07:40:
In Reply to: Booze and caffeine after maze posted by George on January 16, 2003 at 09:39:21:
George, dont forget that Afib is not the only annoying heart problem that can be linked to alcohol. There are others and the Maze wont protect you from them. Here is some info I found on some web site some where.
Like other drugs of this class, alcohol is a "downer." It slows, or depresses, normal activity in parts of the brain and spinal cord. This affects the ability to think, act and make decisions. It also causes balance and coordination problems. Small amounts (one or fewer drinks per day) of alcohol may reduce the incidence of heart problems and can increase "good" cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). Some people are sensitive to alcohol and develop heart rhythm disturbances in the upper or lower chambers of the heart including atrial fibrillation, PACs or PVCs (extra beats in the upper and lower chambers of the heart) and supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia (rapid heart rates from the upper or lower chambers of the heart). So, a little is OK but a lot is not.