2 weeks Ago By Dr. Leila Ganjehei
There is now more evidence linking alcohol use with an increased risk of heart disease. Although there was a time when some believed that alcohol could benefit the heart – like a glass of red wine a day – studies have shown that too much alcohol can actually be detrimental, especially to your heart. According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, when substance use was associated with cardiac death, alcohol was the most prominent substance used.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness and understand alcohol abuse. Over time, excessive alcohol use and binge drinking can lead to chronic diseases and other serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, which can affect your overall quality of life. Studies estimate that each year, there are more than 178,000 deaths attributed to excessive alcohol use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That makes alcohol one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States, behind tobacco, poor diet, physical inactivity, and illegal drugs. Heavy drinking may lead to higher blood pressure. It can also cause other changes in the body, leading to inflammation and obesity, which increases the risk of heart disease.
In addition, heavy alcohol consumption, considered to be consuming 15 or more drinks per week for men and eight or more drinks per week for women, can lead to severe heart issues. Some include cardiomyopathy, which is a group of heart muscle diseases that weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, cardiac arrhythmia, and even atrial fibrillation – an irregular heartbeat – that can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. Over time, how much and how often a person drinks can lead to more severe chronic health problems like coronary heart disease, stroke, and cardiomyopathy.
There are ways to reduce your alcohol use and improve your overall heart health. Limiting alcohol to one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men is recommended but talk to your physician about what are appropriate amounts to consume in a day. Have a plan.
It’s not always easy to quit altogether. Focus on setting smaller, attainable goals and seek out support from others. Manage triggers.
If you are inclined to drink more around certain people or when engaging in various activities, find other ways to engage and spend your time. And find support if you are struggling. Go to a support group like AA or seek out mental health support and resources.
Many people have difficulty controlling their drinking at some point in their lives. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, there are ways to get treatment. Talk to your doctor about treatment options that may be available.
Even small reductions in alcohol consumption can make a difference in improving health conditions, including cardiovascular health. Dr. Leila Ganjehei is a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente Napa Solano, a partner of Solano County Public Health.
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