Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to several heart-related issues, most notably alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This condition involves the weakening and stretching of the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively and potentially leading to heart failure. Heavy drinking also increases the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart attack, stroke, and inflammation-related heart damage.
Key Heart-Related Issues from Excessive Alcohol Use
- Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: Dilating and weakening of the heart muscle, impairing heart function and leading to heart failure.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Alcohol narrows blood vessels, increasing the heart's workload and raising blood pressure, which can lead to stroke and heart disease.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular or rapid heartbeats caused by alcohol's toxic effects on heart rhythm.
- Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: Due to combined factors including hypertension, heart muscle damage, and arrhythmias.
- Inflammation and Heart Injury: Markers of inflammation and injury to the heart wall can be significantly elevated in heavy drinkers.
These harmful effects become more pronounced with chronic heavy or binge drinking, and abstaining or reducing alcohol intake can potentially improve heart health outcomes.
