Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
BookMark
Report

Alcohol and Heart Disease - Things To Know!

Profile Image
Dr. Abhishek SinghCardiologist • 23 Years Exp.MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD - Medicine, DNB - Cardiology
Topic Image

Harmful Effects of Alcohol on Heart-- 

  1. Excessive alcohol intake leads to increase in cholesterol and BP which are risk factors for heart attack or blockages. 
  2. Excessive alcohol intake leads to alcohol induced cardio-myopathy or weakening of heart muscle. 
  3. Excessive alcohol intake is also a risk factor for developing irregular heart rate called Atrial Fibrillation

Recommended daily alcohol intake value - 

Men - Upto 2 glasses/day 

Women - 1 glass/day (studies have shown that even small amount of alcohol intake in women is very harmful) A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits, or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits. Binge drinking should be ABSOLUTELY avoided. 

Red wine - There is no clear cut data to prove that red wine has some cardioprotective properties. A few small studies have suggested so, but as of now there is no clear cut answer. 

Alcohol and Aspirin - If you are on aspirin and take alcohol then you have higher chances of developing gastric ulcers and erosions. Hence you should try to reduce drinking if you do. If you do not drink then there is no need for you to start drinking as drinking alcohol does not provide any major benefit.

chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
doctor

Book appointment with top doctors for Heart Attack treatment

View fees, clinc timings and reviews
doctor

Treatment Enquiry

Get treatment cost, find best hospital/clinics and know other details