The Truth About Alcohol and Your Heart Health

In January, the United States Surgeon General issued a Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, explaining how drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing seven types of cancer. 

The advisory includes a series of recommendations to increase awareness to help minimize alcohol-related cancer cases and deaths, including updating the existing Surgeon General’s health warning label on alcohol-containing beverages.

READ: Understanding the Direct Link Between Alcohol Consumption and Cancer

Because February is American Heart Month, let’s consider how alcohol consumption affects heart health, too. The issue becomes especially crucial considering a study last year found that women who drink more than eight alcoholic beverages a week are at a greater risk of developing heart disease than those who drink less.

In fact, the risk was highest among both men and women who reported heavy episodic drinking, or “binge” drinking, according to the findings. The study focused on 18- to 65-year-old adults and is among the largest and most diverse studies to date examining the links between alcohol and heart disease.

Understanding moderate vs. excessive drinking

The American Heart Association has previously provided clear definitions for alcohol consumption. Moderate drinking had been defined as an average of one drink per day for women and one to two for men. A standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol, which translates to 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits.

Heavy drinking, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), means consuming more than eight drinks per week for women and more than 15 drinks per week for men. According to Dr. Chazal, some experts strongly suggest these definitions be changed to reflect the newer findings. 

The impact of binge drinking

The effects of binge drinking – defined as four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks within two hours for men – are particularly concerning. 

In that same study, women who engaged in binge drinking were 68 percent more likely to develop heart disease compared to moderate drinkers. Even without binge drinking, women with high alcohol intake showed a 45 percent higher risk of heart disease compared to moderate drinkers.

How alcohol affects your heart

Alcohol can impact heart health in several significant ways, according to Dr. Richard Chazal, Medical Director of the Lee Health Heart Institute.

• Irregular heartbeat: “The phenomenon known as ‘holiday heart syndrome’ occurs when people drink more than usual during celebrations,” Dr. Chazal says. “This can lead to atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.”
• Blood pressure: Alcohol consumption is one of the most common reversible causes of high blood pressure, particularly with binge drinking. Medical experts suggest that people with existing high blood pressure should consider avoiding alcohol completely or limiting themselves to occasional drinks.
• Alcohol-related cardiomyopathy: Long-term drinking can lead to alcohol-related cardiomyopathy, where the heart-pumping function weakens, and the heart enlarges. While typically associated with chronic heavy consumption, some individuals may develop it even with social drinking. If caught early, it can be treated primarily through alcohol cessation. While this type of condition is usually associated with chronic heavy consumption, some people’s hearts seem more susceptible than others, leading to cardiomyopathy with only ‘social’ drinking.

Age and other risk factors

Age significantly affects how alcohol impacts the body, Dr. Chazal notes.

“As we age, our ability to process alcohol decreases while sensitivity increases. This becomes particularly important as we tend to develop more medical conditions and take more medications with age,” he says. “It’s important to discuss your particular risk of heart disease with your primary care physician, usually starting at about age 20.”

Dr. Chazal adds that if you have a family history or other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend additional tests or that you come in sooner. “The risk for heart disease starts to increase around age 55 and is more common in older adults, but younger adults can get the disease as well.”

Gender differences

Women should be especially cautious about alcohol consumption. Research shows that women process alcohol differently than men, and the link between alcohol and heart disease appears to be particularly strong among women. Even without binge drinking, women who maintain high alcohol intake face significantly elevated risks of coronary heart disease.

READ: Women, protect your heart health. Here’s how

Prevention and monitoring

Dr. Chazal advises keeping a keen eye on health and scheduling an appointment with a doctor if experiencing "shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, high blood pressure, swelling in the legs or leg pain, or chest pain or discomfort."

Key risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight or obese, eating an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and family history of heart disease.

Making healthy choices

While moderate alcohol consumption might be acceptable for some people, any potential benefits can be achieved through healthier means. Healthcare professionals recommend focusing on positive lifestyle choices such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, ensuring adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking.

"If you’re referred to a cardiologist, don't put off going," Dr. Chazal says. "The visit will give you peace of mind and may prevent long-term complications."

When it comes to alcohol consumption, less is more for heart health. The latest research continues to demonstrate that even moderate drinking carries risks, and these risks increase significantly with higher consumption levels. 

Tell your doctor about how much you drink and work with them to protect your heart. Being honest and proactive can keep your heart healthy. Early intervention and prevention remain the best strategies for maintaining a healthy heart.