Alcohol and Heart Disease - All that you need to know!

Harmful Effects of Alcohol on Heart-- 

1. Excessive alcohol intake leads to increase in cholesterol and BP which are risk factors for heart attack or blockages. 
2. Excessive alcohol intake leads to alcohol induced cardio-myopathy or weakening of heart muscle. 
3. Excessive alcohol intake is also a risk factor for developing irregular heart rate called Atrial Fibrillation. 

Recommended daily alcohol intake value - 

Men - Upto 2 glasses/day 

Women - 1 glass/day (studies have shown that even small amount of alcohol intake in women is very harmful) A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits, or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits. Binge drinking should be ABSOLUTELY avoided. 

Red wine - There is no clear cut data to prove that red wine has some cardioprotective properties. A few small studies have suggested so, but as of now there is no clear cut answer. 

Alcohol and Aspirin - If you are on aspirin and take alcohol then you have higher chances of developing gastric ulcers and erosions. Hence you should try to reduce drinking if you do. If you do not drink then there is no need for you to start drinking as drinking alcohol does not provide any major benefit.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!