Do You Know The Harmful Effects Of Alcohol On Your Heart?

The harsh effects of drinking alcohol on your health have not been unknown. It affects your brain, liver, heart and majorly your overall health. Important is to know that, long-term alcohol abuse puts you at a greater risk of suffering from heart problems. Let’s understand how it harms the health of your heart.

How alcohol damages your cardiovascular health?

Your heart pumps blood throughout the body. The blood delivers various nutrients and other substances to your body parts, including alcohol. The alcohol is then absorbed directly into your bloodstream.

Alcohol causes temporary increase in heart rate

Studies have shown that drinking alcohol on regular basis can lead to tachycardia (increased heart rate due to problems in the electrical signals that produce a heartbeat). And, ultimately it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Alcohol raises your blood pressure

Consumption of alcohol increases your blood pressure (BP), which puts more strain on the heart muscle. This as a result can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. On other hand, studies have found that reduced alcohol intake can lower blood pressure.

Alcohol causes irregular heartbeat

In medical terms irregular heartbeat is called as arrhythmia.  It can happen due to changes in the heart's electrical system. A few common arrhythmias include the heart beating too slowly (bradycardia), or too fast (tachycardia). No matter whichever form of arrhythmia, you are suffering from, a cardiac arrest or stroke, can be a likely outcome.

So, you must completely avoid alcohol intake for not only keeping your heart in good shape but for your overall well-being too.