The Impact of Alcohol Abuse on Heart Health: What You Need to Know

Drinking alcohol is dangerous.

Alcohol addiction is destructive to many lives – with the person suffering putting themselves at risk of developing many health conditions that could prove fatal. Alcohol can destroy relationships, livelihoods and mental health too.

There is a lot of talk about alcohol and heart conditions, with many people thinking that some alcohol is good for it. This is wrong, and you need to know about the effects of alcohol abuse on heart health, why the myths about alcohol being good for your heart are wrong and how you can minimise the damage.

Introduction to Alcohol and Heart Health

There is a clear line between alcohol and heart conditions. Alcohol-related deaths reached a record high last year with 10,473. Alcohol experts have said that the number is three times higher if you include alcohol-related diseases, including heart problems.

Although cardiovascular issues can happen to anyone, they are more common in older people. Drinking heavily puts a strain on everything in your and those suffering from alcohol addiction will likely face some heart issues, especially if you are older.

The heart is the core organ in your body. Without it working efficiently, everything else functions poorly. Drinking will only get in the way of your heart working to its maximum potential.

How Alcohol Affects the Cardiovascular System

More immediately, alcohol and blood pressure are linked. When you drink, alcohol relaxes the blood vessels, widening them. This causes an increase in blood flow and so your blood pressure increases. Alcohol can also release stress hormones, which can cause blood pressure to increase.

Large amounts of alcohol can slow your heart rate to dangerous levels whilst it can also temporarily increase it, leading to palpitations.

In the long term, there are many heart problems you could develop due to alcohol abuse, such as:

• Hypertension – sustained raised blood pressure
• Cardiomyopathy – weakened heart muscle
• Arrhythmia – irregular heartbeat
• Increased risk of stroke – blood stops flowing to part of the brain

Alcohol-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy is the weakening of your heart as it stretches and enlarges. This leads to your heart being unable to pump blood as efficiently, depriving you of oxygen.

The toxicity of alcohol can weaken your heart muscle. Also, the constant increased blood pressure that alcohol can cause will put a strain on your heart, weakening it.

Symptoms of alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Heart palpitations

Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy can be diagnosed with a physical exam, listening to your heart and lungs for a crackling sound and murmur in your heartbeat. Imaging can be done to see the changes in your heart shape.

To treat it, you have to cut down on drinking immediately. Medication can also be given to help with your blood pressure and improve blood flow. If the problem is serious enough, surgery may be required and may require a heart transplant.

The Myth of ‘Heart-Healthy’ Alcohol Consumption

For many years it’s been touted that a moderate amount of alcohol, especially red wine, is good for your heart health.

Recently, this belief has been challenged and it is becoming clearer that drinking no alcohol is healthier for you than drinking any amount.

A study presented in 2022 found that currently considered safe levels of alcohol are linked to the development of heart failure. In the same year, the World Health Organisation released a statement, saying that “when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.”

Recognising the Signs of Alcohol-Related Heart Damage

If you are worried about the cost of your alcohol abuse on heart health, you should be aware of the signs. Symptoms of alcohol-related disease include:

• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of feet, ankles or lower legs
• Loss of consciousness

You should seek medication attention if any of these symptoms occur, making it clear to your doctor that you heavily drink too. Regular cardiovascular check-ups are a must as you get older, especially if you drink alcohol.

With check-ups, any serious issues can be ruled out or steps can be taken to improve your health under the care of a medical professional.

If you experience sudden chest pain that doesn’t go away, this may be a sign of a heart attack and you should contact emergency services immediately.

Steps to Minimise Heart Damage from Alcohol

It may sound like all doom and gloom but there are positive steps you can take to minimise the risk of alcohol-related heart disease.

Reducing Alcohol Intake

The most important thing you can do is cut down on your drinking. Setting a sober plan, switching to lower-strength drinks, incorporating sober days into your routine and drinking water between alcoholic drinks are all things you can do.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making changes to your life will help with alcohol abuse and heart health. Switching to a balanced diet that is low in salt will be beneficial. Regular exercise will help you physically and mentally, improving how your body functions.

You should also practice stress management techniques to stop the strain on your heart and being able to manage your emotions better is a better coping mechanism than drinking.

Medical Interventions

In some cases, you can’t do it all yourself. Alcohol rehab is available if you are struggling with your drinking.

For your heart, going to your doctor is vital. They may prescribe you beta blockers to help lower blood pressure and advise you to take diuretics to increase the removal of salt and water in your body.

If your problems are serious enough, heart surgery, such as putting in a pacemaker, may be required.

Support Resources for Alcohol Abuse and Heart Health

There are plenty of resources available if you want help with your alcohol abuse and heart health.

Rehab centres are built to help people recover from their drinking. At Step 1 we provide a vast array of treatments and therapies to help. Our addiction treatment programmes are catered to each person specifically so that the help you receive is effective and much more likely to be long-lasting.

There are support groups and counselling services you can access too – privately and free via the NHS. There are many organisations and hotlines that provide confidential and immediate assistance, including:

• We Are With You
• FRANK

It doesn’t matter how you get help, only that you do. Your chances of developing an alcohol-related disease will only worsen without intervention.

Get Help with Your Alcohol Abuse and Heart Health Today

So, does alcohol cause heart problems? The answer is yes, it can. Alcohol can speed your heart up, slow it down, weaken it and stop it from working properly.

If you are concerned about your heart, take steps to check on it – go to the doctor and start the healing journey.

If alcohol is contributing to your bad heart health, we at Step 1 can help you overcome your drinking problems. Call us now at 0330 107 2950 to begin the Step 1 experience.