How does alcohol affect the heart and blood vessels?

Alcohol can have both favorable and unfavorable effects on the heart, depending on the level of consumption and other factors. Here are some of the main aspects of alcohol's effects on the heart:

Moderate use and cardiac benefits

Moderate alcohol consumption, especially red wine, is associated with some beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. For example, some studies have linked moderate alcohol consumption to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. This may be due to the antioxidant properties of alcohol and the polyphenols it contains. [1], [2]

Moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with some cardiac benefits, but it is important to remember that these effects can vary depending on individual body and lifestyle characteristics. [3], [4] Here are a few potential cardiac benefits of moderate alcohol consumption:

1. Increase good cholesterol: Some studies show that moderate alcohol consumption, especially wine, may increase high-density cholesterol (HDL), which is considered "good" cholesterol. This may protect the heart from atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
2. Anticoagulant properties: Alcohol may have anticoagulant properties, that is, it may help reduce blood clotting, which may reduce the risk of blood clots and hemorrhages, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
3. Relaxing bloodvessels: Moderate alcohol consumption can help dilate blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and other organs.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Some alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, contain antioxidants such as resveratrol, which may help protect the heart from free radical damage and inflammation.

However, it should not be forgotten that drinking alcohol can also be associated with negative health consequences, including the risk of developing alcohol dependence, increased blood pressure, increased risk of cancer and other diseases, and negative effects on mental and physical health.

Therefore, before deciding to consume alcohol for cardiac purposes, it is important to discuss it with your doctor, especially if you already have cardiovascular problems or other medical conditions.

Negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption

However, excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative effects on the cardiovascular system. This includes an increased risk of arrhythmias, abnormal heart rhythm, arterial hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.

Arrhythmias

Alcohol can cause or worsen arrhythmias, which is a disruption in heart rhythm. [5] Here are a few ways alcohol can affect your heart rhythm:

1. Electrolyte changes: Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and loss of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. This can interfere with the normal functioning of heart cells and provoke arrhythmias.
2. Stimulant effects: Some types of alcohol, especially high-proof drinks or energy drinks with alcohol, may stimulate heart activity. This can lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat such as tachycardia or atrial fibrillation.
3. Deterioration of automatic node function: Alcohol can affect the heart's automatic node, which controls its rhythm, which can lead to arrhythmias.
4. Effects on the sympathetic nervous system: Alcohol consumption can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to increased heart activity and changes in heart rhythm.
5. Drug Interactions: Alcohol consumption in combination with certain medications, such as antiarrhythmic drugs, may enhance their effects and increase the risk of arrhythmias.

People with pre-existing heart problems or a predisposition to arrhythmias may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. If you have arrhythmias or other heart problems, it is important to talk to your doctor about your level of alcohol consumption and possible risks to your health. [6]

Abnormal heart rhythm

Alcohol consumption can affect the heart rhythm, causing various abnormalities and irregularities in heart function. [7] Here are a few ways alcohol can affect the heart rhythm:

1. Arrhythmias: Alcohol consumption can cause heart rhythm arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (multiple rapid and uncoordinated contractions of the atrial muscles) or atrial fibrillation (irregular, irregular ventricular contractions).
2. Sinus tachycardia: Too much alcohol can increase your heart rate, which can lead to sinus tachycardia (an increase in heart rate above 100 beats per minute).
3. Sinus bradycardia: In some cases, alcohol consumption can slow the heart rate, causing sinus bradycardia (heart rate less than 60 beats per minute).
4. Automaticity and excitability: Alcohol can affect the electrical activity of the heart, increasing automaticity (the ability of heart cells to generate electrical impulses) and excitability (the ability of heart cells to respond to electrical impulses), which can lead to various rhythm abnormalities.
5. Deteriorationof cardiac function: Alcohol consumption can cause dilatation of the heart chambers and deterioration of myocardial function, which can also affect heart rate.

These effects may be especially pronounced in people with pre-existing heart disease or who drink large doses of alcohol. If you experience heart rhythm problems or other heart symptoms after drinking alcohol, it is important to see your doctor for evaluation and further treatment.

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a serious heart disease that is caused by excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time. It is characterized by damage to the heart muscle (myocardium), leading to impaired heart function. [8], [9] Here are some key aspects of alcoholic cardiomyopathy:

1. Pathologic changes in the heart: Constant alcohol consumption can cause thickening and stretching of the heart walls, which impairs its contractile function. This can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (increased thickness of the heart walls).
2. Decreased contractile function of the heart: As a result of pathological changes in the structure of the heart, as well as the effects of alcohol on the heart muscle, its contractile function may deteriorate. This can lead to heart failure and other cardiac complications.
3. Risk of atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias: ACM can also increase the risk of developing heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, which can lead to dangerous consequences including stroke and heart attacks.
4. Relation to alcoholic hepatopathy: ACM is often combined with alcoholic liver disease such as cirrhosis. Alcohol-induced pathologic changes can have adverse effects on both the heart and the liver.
5. Development of ACM: ACM usually develops in people who drink large amounts of alcohol over a long period of time. However, some people can also develop the disease while drinking relatively small amounts of alcohol if they suffer from a genetic predisposition or other risk factors.

Treatment for alcoholic cardiomyopathy usually includes cessation of alcohol consumption, treatment of heart failure, control of arrhythmias, and other supportive measures depending on each patient's specific situation. [10] Therefore, it is important to contact your doctor for counseling and appropriate treatment if you have signs of the condition or concerns about your health.

Risks of stroke and heart attack

Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke (cerebral circulation disorder). Here's how alcohol can affect these serious diseases:

1. Myocardial infarction: Alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, increased blood cholesterol levels and blood clots, which are risk factors for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. In addition, alcohol can cause arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm), which can also contribute to myocardial infarction.
2. Stroke: Alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke. In addition, alcohol can increase blood clotting and affect the vascular system, which also contributes to stroke.

It is important to note that the risk of developing myocardial infarction and stroke depends on many factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, a person's overall health, heredity, lifestyle, etc. [11], [12], [13] Moderate alcohol consumption is generally not a major risk factor, but drinking large amounts of alcohol or abusing alcohol can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is recommended that you consult with a physician or cardiologist, especially if you have risk factors or a predisposition to cardiovascular disease, to receive individualized recommendations for alcohol consumption and maintaining heart and vascular health.

How does alcohol affect blood vessels?

Alcohol can have a variety of effects on blood vessels, both positive and negative, depending on the dose and regularity of use. [14], [15] Here are some ways alcohol affects blood vessels:

1. Vasodilation: Moderate alcohol consumption can cause blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation). This can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
2. Improving Blood Flow: Alcohol can help improve blood microcirculation, which can be beneficial for heart and skin health.
3. Increase "good" cholesterol: Some studies show that moderate alcohol consumption may increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered "good" cholesterol and helps clear "bad" cholesterol from blood vessels.
4. Increased risk of long-term use: However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have the opposite effects. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, damage vascular walls and lead to the development of atherosclerosis.
5. Dilation of blood vessels in the skin: Alcohol can cause blood vessels in the skin to dilate, which can cause facial redness or "alcoholic redness."
6. Effect on blood clotting: Alcohol consumption can alter blood clotting, which may affect the risk of thrombosis or bleeding.

In general, alcohol consumption has complex effects on the blood vessels, and regular and moderate consumption may be associated with some positive effects on vascular health. However, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.

Effect on blood pressure

Alcohol consumption may temporarily increase blood pressure. Prolonged elevated blood pressure may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Alcohol has a biphasic effect on blood pressure and increases heart rate. Alcohol initially lowers blood pressure (up to 12 hours after ingestion) and then increases blood pressure. Alcohol continually increases heart rate for up to 24 hours after consumption. [16]

Other negative consequences

Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to obesity, elevated blood lipid levels, diabetes and other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Obesity

Alcohol consumption can contribute to obesity in several ways:

1. Caloric contribution: Alcohol contains a significant number of calories. For example, 1 gram of pure alcohol contains about 7 calories. Alcoholic beverages may also contain sugar and other additives that increase their caloric content. Moreover, people often do not realize how many calories they consume with alcohol, because these calories do not give a feeling of satiety like food products.
2. Effect on metabolism: Alcohol can slow down the metabolism of fats, which can contribute to their deposition in the body.
3. Appetite stimulation: Some people have noted that drinking alcohol can stimulate appetite or lead to a greater sense of hunger. This can lead to an increase in food intake and therefore a higher caloric intake.
4. Alcoholic snacks: When drinking alcohol, people may also consume high-calorie snacks, which also contributes to the caloric intake.
5. Effect on hormonal balance: Alcohol consumption can affect hormonal balance, including the production of hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, which can also contribute to fat storage.
6. Decreased self-control: Alcohol consumption can decrease self-control and contribute to more rash food decisions, including eating high-calorie foods.

All of these things combined can contribute to the accumulation of excess weight and the development of obesity. Therefore, it is important to control your alcohol intake and monitor your total caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight and overall health. [17], [18]

Diabetes mellitus

Alcohol consumption can influence the development of diabetes mellitus (both types: 1 and 2) due to several factors:

1. Effects on blood sugar levels: Alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. However, when large amounts of alcohol are consumed or taken together with insulin or other hypoglycemic drugs, it can lead to serious hypoglycemia.
2. Calories and weight: Many alcoholic beverages are high in calories and can contribute to excess weight gain, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
3. Insulin resistance: Alcohol consumption can increase the body's level of insulin resistance, where cells become less sensitive to the action of insulin, which can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
4. Increased risk of complications: People with diabetes already have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, alcohol can increase this risk.
5. Drug Interactions: Some medications taken by people with diabetes may interact with alcohol, which may cause unwanted effects or increase the effects of alcohol.

Although alcohol consumption can have a variety of effects on the development of diabetes, moderate consumption (if it is safe for health) is not usually a major risk factor for healthy people. [19], [20] However, for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes, it is important to limit alcohol consumption, seek medical advice and monitor blood sugar levels to avoid unwanted consequences.

Individual sensitivity

Individual sensitivity to alcohol can vary from person to person and depend on several factors:

1. Genetics: Genetic factors may play a key role in alcohol sensitivity. For example, differences in genetics can affect the rate at which alcohol is metabolized, the activity of enzymes involved in its processing, and the sensitivity of neurochemical receptors in the brain that regulate its effects.
2. Gender: Men and women have differences in how their bodies metabolize alcohol. Women generally have less body water and less activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (the enzyme that breaks down alcohol), which makes them more sensitive to alcohol.
3. Weight: Weight can also affect sensitivity to alcohol. The lower the body weight, the less room there is for alcohol to dilute, which can lead to higher blood alcohol concentrations and more pronounced effects.
4. Tolerance: Regular use of alcohol can lead to the development of tolerance to its effects, meaning that more alcohol may be required to achieve the desired effect. However, this does not mean that sensitivity to alcohol does not change; rather, it reflects the body's adaptation to its effects.
5. Psychological and social factors: Emotional state, mood and the environment in which alcohol is consumed can also influence individual sensitivity to alcohol. For example, alcohol may have more pronounced effects when you are stressed or tired.

It is important to realize that individual sensitivity to alcohol can vary from person to person, and it is important to be aware of your own reactions and limits when drinking it. If you have concerns about your sensitivity to alcohol, it is important to discuss this with your doctor or addiction specialist.

In general, moderate alcohol consumption may have some beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, but excessive consumption is harmful and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to take into account individual body characteristics and to consult your doctor about the optimal level of alcohol consumption.