5 facts about how alcohol affects the heart.
1. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, which puts strain on the heart and can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Alcohol can disrupt the heart's electrical signals, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and potentially causing sudden cardiac death.
3. Chronic heavy drinking can weaken the heart muscle, leading to a condition known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
4. Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, which in turn can increase the risk of developing heart disease.
5. Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly of red wine, has been associated with certain cardiovascular benefits, such as increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, it is important to note that these benefits are only seen in moderation and excessive drinking outweighs any potential benefits.