The Heart of the Matter: Understanding Alcohol’s Influence on Cardiovascular Health

|| Editorial staff of El Periodiquito

Alcohol consumption and its effect on heart health is a matter of debate. Although there is still a belief that a glass of wine a day could offer benefits, today, more emphasis is placed on the risks associated with consumption than on the possible protection of the heart.

In healthy adults, occasional alcohol consumption does not usually cause serious short-term problems. However, immediate changes in heart rate and blood pressure can be noted, which usually return to normal once the alcohol is metabolized by the liver.

Despite these transient effects, excessive drinking has serious consequences. Higher alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack, arrhythmias, stroke and heart failure.

Immediate effects of alcohol on the heart

Some changes in the cardiovascular system are temporary and reversible. Their appearance depends on factors such as the amount of drink consumed and the individual characteristics of the person.

Increased heart rate

Alcohol consumption can cause a temporary increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia. This is defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute.

After having a few drinks and during a hangover, it is common to feel palpitations and a sensation of accelerated heartbeat. This acceleration of the heartbeat is caused by the combination of the following circumstances:

It increases stress, which increases the release of cortisol, a hormone that affects heart rate.

Alcohol affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate.

Alcohol-induced arterial dilation temporarily lowers blood pressure and causes the heart to pump faster to maintain flow.

As a diuretic, alcohol increases fluid loss and can cause dehydration, which forces the heart to work harder to maintain blood pressure.

After consumption, the body may experience a rebound effect, in which the nervous system overcompensates to recover, resulting in an accelerated heart rate.

Tachycardia episodes due to alcohol can last for a few hours or last for more than a day. Their duration varies depending on the amount consumed, prior hydration, physical condition and the speed at which the body metabolizes.

Increased blood pressure

Alcohol can also lead to temporary increases in blood pressure. These increases can be significant, especially if large amounts are consumed.

What happens is a double effect on blood pressure: during the first hours after drinking, alcohol reduces it, but then increases it. This phenomenon is due to the inhibition of the vagus nerve and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Even if the increase is temporary, frequent alcohol consumption is associated with a higher incidence of high blood pressure in the long term. The risk is significant even when drinking moderate amounts (two drinks a day for men and one for women).

On the other hand, alcohol increases the risk of insulin resistance and obstructive sleep apnea, both of which are causes of secondary hypertension.

What can you do to control the immediate effects of alcohol on your heart?

To get your heart back to normal after a few drinks, you have to wait for the effects to wear off completely. That takes time. However, there are some things you can do to ease the symptoms:

Relax and breathe deeply.

Stay at rest and avoid physical exertion.

Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate.

Avoid caffeine or other stimulants that increase heart rate.

Monitor your blood pressure. If it rises above 140/90 mmHg, consult a doctor.

If you experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a feeling of dizziness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These may be signs of a more serious problem.

Long-term consequences

Drinking alcohol excessively or repeatedly leaves consequences. Chronic exposure damages the heart and arteries.

Arrhythmias

Alcohol weakens the heart muscle and affects its ability to contract. This can lead to arrhythmias, which means that the heart beats abnormally; too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

This lack of regularity increases the risk of adverse effects, including stroke, heart attack and sudden death. A dangerous form of arrhythmia, known as atrial fibrillation, is associated with excessive and frequent alcohol consumption.

And certain times of the year increase the risk even more. Festive or Christmas heart syndrome, for example, which involves excessive alcohol consumption during end-of-year celebrations, can trigger arrhythmias.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke by raising blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries, making it easier for them to burst or become blocked.

In addition, alcohol can alter cholesterol levels, increase inflammation and promote arrhythmias. These are all factors that contribute to stroke risk.

Heart attack

Acute myocardial infarction or AMI occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly interrupted. This causes chest pain, shortness of breath and can lead to death.

Excessive alcohol consumption increases blood pressure and triglycerides. It also promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases that increase the likelihood of AMI.

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disease that develops due to excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption. This condition is characterized by weakening and enlargement of the heart, resulting in a decrease in its ability to pump blood. As a result, symptoms of heart failure may be experienced:

Fatigue.

Difficulty breathing.

Swelling in the extremities.

Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or hardened. This process, called atherosclerosis, usually occurs because of a buildup of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in the blood vessels.

Excessive alcohol consumption raises cholesterol levels and promotes plaque buildup in the arteries. It can also damage the endothelium, which is the inner layer of blood vessels.

Is it true that drinking a certain level of alcohol is beneficial?

It was once believed that moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, could offer heart health benefits. But current evidence casts doubt on this belief.

Although some scientific studies suggest that light drinking may have a lower risk of causing heart problems, there is no safe amount of alcohol. Even low consumption may be linked to cardiovascular risks, such as atrial fibrillation and stroke.

For this reason, experts and health organizations alike advise against alcohol consumption as a strategy to reduce the risk of heart disease. Instead, it is preferable to adopt other proven measures:

Avoid tobacco.

Lower cholesterol.

Control blood pressure.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Perform regular physical activity.

Check your consumption levels

Alcohol consumption and heart health are closely related. Although some effects may be temporary, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of developing diseases.

It is therefore essential that you pay attention to the amount and frequency with which you drink. If you have concerns about your consumption or experience cardiac symptoms that alarm you, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

The body –‌ alcohol can interfere with the normal regulation of ‌blood​ pressure and cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to higher ‌readings. ‌This ⁣can be⁤ particularly ‌concerning ‍for ‌individuals with pre-existing hypertension.

The Effects‍ of Alcohol on Heart Health:​ Debunking the Myths

Alcohol consumption⁢ has long been a ​topic of debate when it ‍comes⁣ to heart health. While some believe that a ​daily glass of wine can have beneficial effects, others warn of the‍ severe consequences of excessive drinking.​ In this article, we’ll delve into the⁤ immediate and long-term effects ‍of alcohol on the heart, exploring the risks and debunking the myths surrounding moderate drinking.

Immediate Effects of Alcohol on the Heart

In healthy ⁤adults, occasional ⁣alcohol consumption may not cause significant short-term ⁢problems. However,‍ immediate changes in heart​ rate and blood pressure can occur, which usually return to normal once the ⁤alcohol is metabolized by ‌the liver. ⁤These transient effects include:

Increased‌ Heart Rate (Tachycardia)

Alcohol consumption can cause ⁢a temporary increase in heart rate, which can lead to ⁤palpitations and an accelerated heartbeat. This is due to a combination ⁤of factors, ⁢including:

Increased stress, which raises ⁢cortisol levels and affects heart rate

The impact of alcohol on ‌the autonomic nervous system, which controls‌ involuntary functions like heart rate

​Temporary blood pressure drop, causing the‍ heart to pump faster to maintain⁤ flow

Dehydration, which forces the‌ heart to work harder to maintain blood pressure

* A⁤ rebound effect, where⁤ the nervous‍ system ⁤overcompensates ​to recover, resulting in ⁣an accelerated heart rate

Increased Blood ⁢Pressure

Alcohol can also lead to temporary increases in blood pressure, ‌particularly if large amounts are consumed. This is due to ⁢a​ double effect on

Increased heart rate after alcohol consumption ceases.

The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Heart Health: Separating Fact from Fiction

Alcohol consumption and its effect on heart health is a topic of ongoing debate. While some believe that moderate drinking can have protective effects on the heart, the risks associated with excessive drinking far outweigh any potential benefits. In this article, we will delve into the immediate and long-term effects of alcohol on heart health, debunking myths and providing guidance on how to minimize the negative consequences.

Immediate Effects of Alcohol on the Heart

When it comes to the immediate effects of alcohol on the heart, there are several changes that can occur. These changes are often temporary and reversible, depending on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed and individual characteristics.

Increased Heart Rate

Alcohol consumption can cause a temporary increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia. This can be due to several factors, including:

Increased stress, leading to the release of cortisol, a hormone that affects heart rate

The impact of alcohol on the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate

Arterial dilation, which temporarily lowers blood pressure and causes the heart to pump faster to maintain flow

Dehydration, which forces the heart to work harder to maintain blood pressure

* A rebound effect, in which the nervous system overcompensates to recover, resulting in an