A 39-year-old member asked:
Can quitting alcohol cold turkey cause a cardiac arrest?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Kleinanswered
Family Medicine 21 years experience
Yes, if indirectly: While many drugs can be stopped cold turkey, almost all will cause some level of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms from narcotic drugs such as heroin or Cocaine can produce diarrhea, chills, nausea or vomiting, but will usually not kill you. Alcohol withdrawal is much more dangerous and can cause seizures and heart arrythmias which can lead to cardiac arrest. Never quit without medical supervision!
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Gutti Raoanswered
Hospital-based practice 46 years experience
No: You may have withdrawal which can be controlled with meds.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Usually not.: Alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremens) can be very serious and usually requires hospitalization. If the heart has been damaged from alcohol use (alcoholic cardiomyopathy) it is possible that the stress of withdrawal could lead to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, but this is rare.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can alchoholics die of cardiac arrest if they quit cold turkey?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Rick Kochanswered
Cardiology 22 years experience
This depends greatly: On whether or not cardiomyopathy or significant electrolyte abnormalities are present.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jul 4, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.