Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one or two beverages per day. Consult your health care provider immediately if you are having heart problems.
Moderation
Many health issues associated with alcohol are related to excessive consumption. According to Thomas A. Pearson, MD, Ph.D., a member of the Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association, moderate alcohol consumption actually might improve the condition of the heart. Moderate consumption of alcohol, about one or two beverages per day, is shown to increase HDL or good cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. High levels of HDL in the bloodstream helps to protect the heart against diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. In a study conducted at the Channing Laboratory in Boston, researchers found that patients who consumed one to two alcoholic beverages per day reduced their risk of coronary heart disease by 30 percent to 50 percent.
High Triglycerides
According to the American Heart Association, drinking alcohol can raise the triglyceride level in the bloodstream. The extra calories consumed while drinking alcohol turn into triglycerides or fats in the bloodstream, and elevated triglyceride levels in the bloodstream can harden the artery walls, which can eventually lead to heart disease and heart failure, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic recommend limiting the amount of alcohol consumption for a person with high triglycerides to no more than 5 oz. per day.
High Blood Pressure
According to MayoClinic.com, the calories consumed when drinking alcohol add excess fat and weight to the body, which can increase the blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D., hypertension specialist at the Mayo Clinic, states that drinking three or more alcoholic beverages per day can lead to a long-term increase in blood pressure. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator in the bloodstream, causing the heart rate to increase, says the American Heart Association.
Irregular Heartbeat
Having more than one or two drinks per day might increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat, according to MayoClinic.com. Research conducted by the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study revealed that men who were heavy drinkers had a 46 percent greater risk of developing an irregular heartbeat than men who drank only moderately. If not controlled, an irregular heartbeat can weaken the heart and eventually lead to heart failure, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- American Heart Association: Alcohol, Wine and Cardiovascular Disease
- American Heart Association: The 'Good Cholesterol' High-Density Lipoprotein; Peter P. Toth, MD, Ph.D.; 2005
- National Institutes of Health; The Effect of Cessation and Resumption of Moderate Alcohol Intake on Serum High-density-lipoprotein Subfractions. A Controlled Study; March 1984
- American Heart Association; Alcohol and Heart Disease; Thomas A. Pearson, MD, PhD; 1996
- Cleveland Clinic: What You Need to Know About Triglycerides
- "Journal Of The American Medical Association"; Alcohol Consumption May Be Associated With Irregular Heart Beat In Men; October 2004
