Millions of people consume alcohol on a monthly, if not weekly basis. With the upcoming holiday season, bar outings and wine toasts will only increase. DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ, wants patients to understand the link between drinking and heart health. This renowned heart doctor and his team have outlined a few positives and negatives of indulging on a regular basis. 

The Link Between Alcohol & Heart Health

Positive Effects 

One alcoholic beverage occasionally offers a few health benefits. Light drinkers may experience increased HDL, which is the good form of cholesterol. Further, conservative drinking reduces LDL, or the bad cholesterol that leads to clogged arteries. Finally, regular wine consumption can prevent excess clotting, lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Negative Consequences

Unfortunately, the negative effects of alcohol on heart health far outweigh the benefits, particularly for heavy drinkers. Excessive consumption is defined as occurring three or more days per week—or, three or more drinks in any one sitting on a regular basis. 

Three drinks in a single sitting will briefly raise your blood pressure by expanding your vessels. However, routine alcohol consumption turns this into a permanent problem that can lead to stroke.

Heavy drinking can also lead to cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease that causes the muscles to stiffen. The organ’s ability to pump blood gradually declines until the patient faces heart failure and a backup of blood throughout the body.

Finally, binge drinking causes temporary heart arrhythmia. Typically, this refers to four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in a two-hour time frame. Depending on the severity of the arrhythmia, the patient may experience rapid heartbeats, feel faint, or risks an attack.

Alcohol can be detrimental to your heart health, especially if you aren’t careful of the amount. From increased blood pressure to heart disease, the consequences far outweigh the few benefits. If you’re concerned about your well-being, reach out to the staff at DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, by calling (201) 845-3535. To learn more about their compassionate and knowledgeable doctors, visit the website.