Substances

Thousands of substances may affect the heart's electrical system and change its ability to pump blood through the body. Many illegal, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol, tobacco, certain foods and other substances, can affect the electrical signals that trigger the heartbeat.

Thousands of substances may affect the heart's electrical system and change its ability to pump blood through the body. Many illegal, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as alcohol, tobacco, certain foods and other substances, can affect the electrical signals that trigger the heartbeat.

Immediate Effects

Abusing legal or illegal drugs can lead to dangerous arrhythmias.

Caffeine is the most common substance linked with abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Some people feel heart palpitations (fast heartbeats) when they drink coffee or tea or eat chocolate. Red wine and eating too much can bring about symptoms in others. These rhythm problems are rarely serious.

Small amounts (no more than one drink a day) of alcohol may lower the risk of heart problems and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). But for some people, alcohol can cause heart rhythm disturbances. Alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for High Blood Pressure, cardiomyopathy (weak heart muscle), heart failure and stroke. 

Tobacco (cigarettes) causes more heart and blood vessel disease, stroke and heart-related deaths than all illegal drugs combined. It contributes to as much as one-third of all heart disease. 

Some herbs and other substances used in over-the-counter remedies are believed to improve abnormal heart rhythms. Others can make them worse or interfere with heart medications. Diet pills can be especially dangerous. Patients should always talk to a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement.

While most medications prescribed by doctors are beneficial to health, some can cause serious side effects. Certain medications commonly prescribed for arrhythmias, heart disease and High Blood Pressure can themselves cause problems, including heart rhythm disturbances. Patients should watch for symptoms and discuss any changes with a doctor or healthcare provider.

Hundreds of substances in the environment can cause arrhythmias, heart disease and death. In general, the people at greatest risk are those who handle or come into contact with dangerous substances in the workplace.  Some of the substances that can cause problems are: automobile emissions, cigarette smoke, pollution from industrial plants, paint thinners and propane gas.

Keep Exploring

Heart Rhythm Disorders
Millions of people experience irregular or abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmias, at some point in their lives. Most of the time, they are harmless and happen in healthy people free of heart disease. However, some abnormal heart rhythms can be serious or even deadly. Having other types of heart disease can also increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Pediatrics and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
This section is for pediatric patients and families living with heart rhythm disorders and heart rhythm disorders related to congenital heart disease (CHD).
Early Warning Signs
If you are experiencing a racing, pounding, rumbling or flopping feeling in your chest or if you have been fainting, having repeated dizzy spells, feeling lightheaded or you are extremely fatigued, it's time to see a doctor to discuss your heart health.
Common Treatments
Learning about the underlying cause of any heart rhythm disorder provides the basis for selecting the best treatment plan. Information and knowledge about care options, and their risks and benefits help you work with your health care provider to make the best choices.
Lifestyle
Since other heart disorders increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms, lifestyle changes often are recommended. Living a “heart healthy” lifestyle can ease the symptoms experienced with heart rhythm disorders and other heart disorders, and can be beneficial to overall patient health.
The Normal Heart
The heart is a fist-sized muscle that pumps blood through the body 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without rest. The normal heart is made up of four parts: two atria on the top of the heart (right atrium and left atrium), and two ventricles (right ventricle and left ventricle) which are the muscular chambers on the bottom of the heart that provide the major power to pump blood.