We know that alcohol isn’t good for us, but how does alcohol affect your heart health? Much of the traditional belief around alcohol consumption and its impact on heart health is that it follows a “J-shaped” curve. Meaning, individuals who consume a light to moderate amount of alcohol have the best heart health compared to the abstainers and the heavy drinkers. Although some research still supports this, other research has found this to be outdated and states all forms of drinking are never heart beneficial.
Yet, the heavier the consumption, the greater the risk, as excessive drinking is the third most preventable cause of death, after high blood pressure and smoking. Risk varies with type of alcohol consumed, gender, size, genetics, and timing of alcohol consumption (binging).
How does heavy alcohol consumption impact your body:
- Elevates blood pressure (hypertension)
- Leads to cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle - makes it difficult to pump blood)
- Arrhythmias (irregular heart beat)
- Strokes
- Hepatic cirrhosis (liver failure)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Impairs structure and function of heart and skeletal muscle cells
- Decreases overall heart function
- Impairs protein synthesis
Previous studies have found some benefits of low to moderate alcohol consumption. The Framingham heart study (one of the largest ongoing cohorts) found a lower incidence of heart failure with moderate consumption compared to patients who drank less than one drink per week. Another study found a similar effect. Yet, newer studies have found that in individuals who are more at risk for hypertension, even moderate drinking can exacerbate its progression.
In a recent study of 371,463 individuals, they found alcohol consumption at all levels increased risk of cardiovascular disease, showing no heart benefits. Modest risk was seen with light intake and exponentially greater risk was seen at high consumption.
The research around alcohol and heart health is conflicting. We advise that you consume in moderation, never on an empty stomach, and limit your alcohol intake to two days a week. Make sure those days are back to back so you can optimize recovery on the days in between. If you have a history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease in your family, it is even more important to proceed with caution. Our heart is our most important organ!
Figueredo, V. M., & Patel, A. (2023). Detrimental Effects of Alcohol on the Heart: Hypertension and Cardiomyopathy. Reviews in cardiovascular medicine, 24(10), 292.
Biddinger, K. J., Emdin, C. A., Haas, M. E., Wang, M., Hindy, G., Ellinor, P. T., ... & Aragam, K. G. (2022). Association of habitual alcohol intake with risk of cardiovascular disease. JAMA network open, 5(3), e223849-e223849.
