It’s true that having an occasional drink shouldn’t be bad for your health. If you’ve been indulging in alcoholic beverages, though, studies show that you could be damaging your heart. The good news is that it’s possible to heal your heart if you reduce your alcohol intake as soon as possible. Let’s look at some of the great reasons you should be thinking about cutting down on alcohol.
1. It Elevates Your Blood Pressure
Many people don’t know it but high blood pressure is the most common issue that regular drinkers face. Studies show that alcohol can cause your blood vessels to constrict. This constriction makes it harder for blood to flow around your body, which in turn results in higher blood pressure.
Interestingly, just one drink can cause this issue. Though the problem usually resolves when a small amount of alcohol leaves the system, the problem may become permanent if you drink a lot.
2. You May Gain Unwanted Weight
Alcohol contains quite a bit of empty calories. If you drink a lot, you run the risk of gaining weight. Weight gain is associated with a number of chronic illnesses, including heart disease. To reduce this risk, it’s best to keep your alcohol consumption down.
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3. There’s An Increased Stroke Risk
When alcohol affects your arteries, there can be damage to your heart over time. This damage can significantly increase your risk of having a stroke.
Bear in mind that increased blood pressure can also lead to a stroke. Strokes are an emergency situation where the blood flow to your brain is obstructed and it can take years for some people to recover from one. It’s always better to prevent one where you can.
4. It Affects Your Heart Muscle
People who have been drinking heavily for a long time can develop a health problem known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy. In this disorder, the alcohol causes your heart muscles to droop or stretch out, which makes it hard for your heart to pump blood.
Without an adequate blood supply, the organs and tissues will be affected. Other possible symptoms include chronic fatigue, trouble breathing, swollen extremities, and heart failure.
5. Your Heartbeat May Be Irregular
Another way that alcohol can affect your heart is how quickly it beats. While drinking, your heartbeat can