Understanding the Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Heart Disease

The problem of alcoholism plagues the public health domain, especially in the United States. While most people are moderate drinkers, Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects about 15 million adults in the United States, and an estimated 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually. Consuming copious amounts of alcohol can not only affect the quality of life but also have long-term health consequences such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.

Considering the statistics and the lack of awareness of the gravity of the situation, Alcohol Awareness Month, organized by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, strives to increase awareness around the dangers of alcoholism and related issues.

In the light of Alcohol Awareness Month, here’s what you should know about alcohol consumption and heart health. 

Does Alcohol have any Benefits for your Heart Health?

Some people believe that moderate alcohol consumption can mitigate the risks of dying from heart diseases. But does a glass of wine keep the doctor away? Some studies reinforce this claim, but it is hard to determine the veracity of these studies vis-a-vis their cause and effect. There is some evidence that moderate amounts of alcohol might help slightly raise “good” HDL cholesterol levels. But that does mean you have to pop a cork to reap these benefits. 

What are the Effects of Alcohol on Cardiovascular Health?

Unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption are associated with severe health implications including cardiovascular disease. Several studies suggest that heavy drinking in both men and women can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension, which is one of the most common risk factors associated with a heart attack or stroke. 

Furthermore, excessive drinking can also weaken the heart muscle (also known as cardiomyopathy), i.e., the heart can’t pump blood as efficiently as it should, which ultimately leads to heart failure. 

How can you Reduce the Risks of Heart Disease?

Alcohol being the third leading preventable cause of death in the nation, it becomes imperative that we make conscious efforts to mitigate the risks of heart disease and untimely deaths. One of the best ways to keep your heart health in check is to cut down on your alcohol intake. Additionally, leading cardiologists recommend regularly monitoring your cardiovascular health to prevent further complications. 

When it comes to monitoring heart health, healthcare professionals use an electrocardiograph to record the changes of electrical potential occurring during the heartbeat or any abnormalities in the functioning of the heart. 

If you run a healthcare facility and are looking to upgrade your existing equipment, reach out to Nasiff for portable ECG units

Mental Health Awareness Month: Mental Health Disorders and Heart Diseases

Most people believe heart conditions are solely linked with physical activities, but this is not completely true. Though a lack of exercise and poor diet increases the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes also accelerate the onset of heart conditions. 

Research shows the chemical and biological factors that contribute to mental health issues also influence heart disease. Mental health disorders, either short- or long-term, trigger a person’s behavior, mood, or thinking ability, which could lead to anxiety, depression, and stress on the body, including the heart. 

The connection between mental health disorders and heart disease

People experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) over a long period may also experience physiologic effects on the body - including the reduced flow of blood to the heart, increased levels of cortisol, and cardiac reactivity, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. These physiologic effects may further cause metabolic and heart disease. 

Research also shows certain mental health disorders - such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression - may develop after a cardiac event, such as heart attack and stroke. An acute heart disease event may trigger a fear of death or disability or cause financial problems, which further contributes to these mental health disorders. 

Certain mental health disorders, such as stress and anxiety, may increase the chances of adopting unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and failing to take prescribed medications. People use these unhealthy coping strategies to deal with stressful situations, which increase the risk of developing heart disease. 

What should you do?

Get in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss how you are feeling, both physically and mentally. Someone who is clinically depressed needs follow-up care, therefore, adopt healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle. Besides, monitor yourself using a Holter monitor system, especially if you are dealing with heart disease or stroke.