Even small amounts of alcohol can be detrimental for heart health, especially for people who already have heart disease or are at risk for it. Experts are no longer sure that moderate drinking, such as having a glass of red wine every night, is healthy for your heart and long-term health. Consuming alcohol is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and probably has no preventive benefits.
Drinking alcohol, even in moderation, raises systolic blood pressure, the top number that indicates the force of blood pushing against the arteries. A systolic blood pressure reading 1.25 mmHg higher in nondrinkers and 5 mmHg higher in heavy drinkers compared to nondrinkers is typical for persons who consume approximately one standard drink daily. Though seemingly insignificant, even a little drop in blood pressure as a result of alterations to one’s way of life can significantly impact the likelihood of cardiovascular issues.
A disorder known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy develops as a consequence of long-term alcohol consumption, according to Dr. Natalia Beridze of Manhattan Cardiology in New York City. When ingested in excess, alcohol induces cardiac dysfunction due to its inflammatory effects and toxicity to heart muscle cells. Read the article
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