Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Effects Of Alcohol On The Heart

According to Hopkins Hospital, moderate alcohol consumption lowers the risk of coronary heart disease by 20 to 40 percent. Moderate consumption is defined as 1 to 2 drinks per day. However, the American Heart Association does not promote alcohol use as a preventative for heart disease. According to Hopkins Hospital, once an individual begins consuming 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day, the risk for alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which is a weakening of the heart muscle, increases, and other heart related problems increases as well. Here are some of the negative effects of alcohol consumption on the heart.


Increases Triglycerides


Triglycerides are fats that exist in the blood. Drinking too much alcohol can increase the amount of triglycerides in the blood, which can contribute to heart disease.


High Blood Pressure


Drinking too much alcohol can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.


Heart Failure


Excessive alcohol consumption can cause alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which may eventually lead to heart failure.


Cardiac Arrhythmia


Drinking excess alcohol may cause cardiac arrhythmia, which may cause a heart attack to occur.


Sudden Cardiac Death


In rare cases, drinking an excessive amount of alcohol may cause sudden cardiac death.

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