Alcohol and Heart - How are they linked?

It raises HDL or High-Density Lipoprotein in the blood, which is a type of cholesterol, good for the body. It also helps prevent the damage caused by LDL or Low-Density Lipoprotein. Further, alcohol lowers the level of pressure in the blood and also stops blood from coagulating. This is beneficial, as it would reduce the risks of a heart attack. But these cannot be the reasons to entertain a drinking habit. Alcohol can do more damage than good. Consuming alcohol in moderation can be beneficial.

Many doctors are not sure if the health benefits are due to the effects of alcohol or some other lifestyle choices. So there is no reason to start a drinking habit if you don't have one as such benefits can also be obtained in other ways. Heavy drinking can cause cancer, liver cirrhosis, and even peptic ulcers. They have a direct impact on the heart and can lead to diseases like cardiomyopathy that affect the muscles of the heart. It also has the chance of increasing blood pressure. Do not rely on alcohol for your heart health.

Alcohol can be harmful to people who have diseases related to the heart. These include patients with a history of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, irregular heart rhythm, high triglycerides and others. Earlier, it was advised not to drink alcohol after suffering a heart attack. However, several recent studies state that consuming alcohol in moderation is not bad for the heart and in fact, it is shown to improve longevity in the person. Thus, people with heart problems are advised to talk to their cardiologists on how to manage the situation. The best option is to quit alcohol consumption altogether.

Alcohol can have adverse reactions when they interact with medications. Alcohol makes certain medications less-effective especially in people who are in long-term treatment. In some cases, the interaction may become toxic to the body. When alcohol interacts with heart medications it may cause rapid heartbeat and sudden changes in the blood pressure thus proving dangerous to the person. Try to cut down or curb the amount with age.