Vegetovascular dystonia (hereinafter referred to as VSD) is a medical problem that almost every modern person faces. VSD “makes itself known” by disruptions in the functioning of the autonomic nervous and cardiovascular systems. So, the classic symptoms of dystonia are:
- blood pressure surges;
- insomnia;
- migraine;
- decreased ability to work;
- apathy;
- irritability.
Important: medical statistics are disappointing - at least 80% of the adult population suffers from the above signs of VSD. Some autonomic disorders are also observed in schoolchildren (in particular, during puberty, when hormonal levels are “raging”).
The prevalence of the disease leads to the fact that many patients suffering from such unpleasant manifestations are interested in the question: is it possible to drink alcohol during VSD? To answer this, it is worth understanding what vegetative-vascular dystonia is, and what changes in the body of a dystonic patient can occur as a result of drinking alcohol.
The concept of VSD
This term usually refers not to a disease, but to a complex of symptoms, the appearance of which is associated with disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. The main cause of VSD, according to doctors, is the frantic pace of modern life, hence constant stress and overwork, which “hit” the nervous system.
Signs of dystonia can also result from:
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- problems with the central nervous system;
- emotional instability;
- genetic predisposition;
- alcohol abuse, smoking and other bad habits;
- depressive states, regular stress, other forms of psycho-emotional experiences.
Attention! Neuroses are the main “triggers” that contribute to the occurrence of symptoms of VSD. Any chronic diseases only aggravate the course of dystonia, which arose due to problems with the nervous system.
Features of a hangover syndrome against the background of the end of alcohol intake in VSD
Abstinence in persons suffering from stage II alcoholism and vegetative-vascular dystonia is particularly severe. Almost every excess leads to complications from internal organs. A hangover lasts longer and is more painful. It is very difficult for people with a combination of these diagnoses to return to a normal state without outside help. During the period of remission, clinical manifestations of disorders of the brain, heart, and liver progress faster, especially when it comes to adolescents and women.
How does VSD manifest and why is it dangerous?
“Victims” of dystonia regularly experience attacks of lightheadedness. These are accompanied by: pale skin, changes in heart , chest pain, painful urination. Dystonics feel cold in their extremities, become irritable, and suffer from sexual dysfunction. Patients with VSD are “haunted” by mood swings, apathy, and their body temperature may rise (low-grade fever).
Important: the “identifying” sign of dystonia is a feeling of lack of air (the cause is hyperventilation of the lungs). There are no organic prerequisites for such pathological conditions; they are a manifestation of functional (vegetative) disorders.
Attacks of VSD are always accompanied by “signals” from the blood vessels and the heart. A syndrome that is harmless at first glance, if not in a timely manner , can lead to serious disruptions in the functioning of the body:
- the appearance of regular panic attacks with a consistently reduced emotional background;
- hypoxia (oxygen starvation) and deterioration of cerebral circulation;
- atherosclerosis, hypertension, varicose veins, angina, heart attack, stroke and other pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
How does intoxication with dystonic complaints differ from “normal”
Dystonic manifestations due to intoxication:
- tendency to hysterical reactions;
- inappropriate behavior with attacks of aggression, malice from doses that do not cause similar reactions in other drinkers when used occasionally;
- gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea, neurogenic vomiting, hiccups, pain);
- loss of consciousness due to a sharp redistribution of blood in the body and spasm of the arteries of the brain;
- rapid transition to the oppression phase.
Sobering up in such people is more difficult, the clinical picture of poisoning with half-life products of alcohol is more pronounced. The doctor has to put more effort into stopping the binge.
Vegetovascular dystonia and ethanol
How do the concepts of VSD and alcohol relate: it has been scientifically proven that alcoholic drinks not only aggravate the course, but also initially provoke the development of this syndrome.
Despite the fact that autonomic disorders are not fatal and do not pose a direct threat to human health, exacerbation of VSD after alcohol can cause a serious blow to the body. Doctors say that alcohol is the main “provocateur” of panic attacks and other “faithful companions” of dystonic patients. It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol gets into the blood - beer, vodka, cognac - the well-being of the “victim” of VSD will suffer in any case. At the same time, the dystonic person cannot even get “well drunk” - a hangover in such people develops rapidly and when consuming minimal “dosages” of alcohol.
To clearly demonstrate how detrimental ethanol affects the body of a patient with autonomic disorders, it is enough to measure blood pressure and pulse immediately before and 6-7 hours after drinking alcoholic beverages.
Attention! For most dystonics, 40-50 ml of vodka or any other alcohol causes an immediate jump in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate (by 100-150%).
Differences in the course of alcohol dependence against the background of the end of alcohol intake in VSD
When alcohol-containing drinks are abused against the background of VSD, the disease develops more malignantly than in the “classic” case. The timing of the stages is compressed. Degradation occurs faster and more clearly. Binges are added to constant drunkenness. One of the distinctive features of dystonics is the early incidence of acute alcoholic psychoses. The prognosis for the combination of the described diseases is unfavorable. For the majority, personality degradation progresses, and few patients survive to the final stage of alcoholism.
Panic attacks and alcohol
The occurrence of panic attacks is a serious pathological consequence of alcohol intake by dystonics. This term is used by doctors to describe a sudden deterioration in health, which is accompanied by: sharp jumps in blood pressure, lightheadedness, nausea, trembling, numbness, weakness of the arms and legs, rapid heartbeat, fever, and a feeling of constriction in the throat.
Doctors say that panic attacks are “faithful companions” of residents of megacities suffering from VSD. Some patients try to stop an attack with alcohol - in this case, ethanol can sooner or later cause pathological changes at the psychoneurological level.
You can “recognize” a panic attack by physiological, cognitive-emotional, and behavioral manifestations. The first list includes:
- tachycardia;
- dyspnea;
- feeling of squeezing in the chest;
- increased sweating;
- frequent urination;
- visual aura;
- muscle tension;
- dizziness.
Patients are haunted by anxiety, concern for their own life and health, they find it difficult to think, concentrate , and make informed decisions. Dystonics suffer from insomnia and avoid situations that could cause attacks of fear.
Alcohol during VSD and panic attacks leads to the fact that an intoxicated person cannot sit in one place, constantly moves, and tries to perform certain actions (most often unconscious). Numbness of the limbs, a tingling sensation in the back of the head are “faithful” companions of such pathological conditions.
What is the danger of alcohol for dystonics?
The “drops” in blood pressure that patients with VSD experience when drinking alcohol overload the heart and blood vessels. Over time, wear and tear of the cardiovascular system can trigger a heart attack or stroke with minimal physical exertion.
Hypotonics - people with low blood pressure - at first glance, can safely drink alcohol. Their well-being should theoretically improve from this. In practice, the situation is different - despite the fact that after drinking such patients feel more alert and feel a surge of energy, they also experience tingling in the heart, head, severe migraines, and aggressive conditions.
Attention! Beer is considered especially dangerous for people with VSD. Of course, the ethanol content in this drink is lower than in vodka or cognac, but it is usually consumed in large quantities. This results in a lingering hangover and exacerbation of dystonia.
VSD and alcohol - consequences for panic attacks:
- prolonged depression;
- isolation, isolation from real life;
- apathy, loss of interest in life.
Another danger of regular drinking is as follows. Some patients manage to briefly reduce the symptoms of VSD and improve their well-being with the help of alcohol (due to vasodilation). But after a while, a slight relief will turn into a severe withdrawal syndrome (as a rule, it is associated with low-quality alcohol, and not with dystonia). A hangover naturally develops into a prolonged depression, which is accompanied by regular and fairly intense panic attacks. Many dystonics continue to try to “drown out” attacks of lightheadedness with alcohol, which only provokes the development of alcohol dependence.
The result is a vicious circle that results in rapid wear and tear of the heart muscle and chronic alcoholism.
How to relieve symptoms of VSD
The best solution is not to drink alcohol at all. If such radical measures could not be taken immediately, one should strictly control what, how much and when a patient with VSD consumes.
To prevent panic attacks and eliminate signs of dystonia, it is recommended to adjust your lifestyle:
- regularly practice walking in the fresh air;
- if necessary, take herbal sedatives (sedatives) - Novo-Passit, Gerbion, etc.;
- It’s wise to draw up a daily menu, eat small meals often, instead of a bottle of beer it’s better to drink a glass of freshly squeezed juice or dried fruit compote;
- alternate periods of work and rest, pay due attention to beneficial physical activity (good for blood vessels).
Attention! If a patient with VSD suffers from prolonged depression, the symptoms of which are not relieved by available sedatives, it is better to seek help from a psychotherapist.
Prevention of vegetative-vascular dystonia
Those who are at risk (emotional people experiencing stress, patients with vascular and heart diseases, etc.) are recommended to exercise regularly or at least exercise daily at home. Running, swimming, skiing are the best options for physical activity for dystonics.
You should avoid overwork, try not to react to stressful situations, and do not forget about a quality night's rest.
A balanced diet is an important element in the prevention of VSD. It is better if the daily menu contains as many vegetables, lean fish and meat as possible. The proportion of caffeine-containing drinks, sweets, and baked goods in the list of products must be limited .
So, drinking alcohol has a negative effect on the body of patients with VSD. Alcohol not only aggravates symptoms, but also provokes the development of this unpleasant syndrome. To prevent attacks of lightheadedness and panic attacks, dystonics are advised to reduce as much as possible (or better yet, completely abstain) from the amount of alcohol .
Literature:
- Vegetovascular dystonia. Modern view of treatment and prevention / E. B. Bereslavskaya. - St. Petersburg. : Ves, 2005 (GIPC Lenizdat). – 155 s.
- How to help patients diagnosed with vegetative-vascular dystonia? / Veronika Aleksandrovna Golovacheva / 2021 / Consilium Medicum
- Psychosomatic medicine: hands. for doctors / P. I. Sidorov, A. G. Solovyov, I. A. Novikova; edited by P. I. Sidorova. - Moscow: MEDpress-inform, 2006 (M.: Printing house "News"). – 564 p.
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