Excessive Alcohol Use Linked to Heart Conditions
11/30/2022
PONCA CITY, Okla., (November 25, 2022) – Winter holidays, parties and social gatherings often provide opportunities to overindulge, but when it comes to alcohol, moderation is important for maintaining good heart health. “Holiday heart syndrome,” or atrial fibrillation (AFib) brought on by binge drinking, can occur in healthy adults without any existing heart conditions and is commonly diagnosed around the holidays.
AFib is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm that if left untreated can lead to blood clots or strokes. Symptoms of AFib include a racing heartbeat which can feel like a flutter or quiver, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain. Luckily, holiday heart syndrome is reversible, but if heavy drinking persists, the risk of developing conditions like heart disease and heart failure increases.
Regular heavy drinking, more than eight drinks per week for women and 15 for men, and binge drinking can lead to ongoing high blood pressure, increased irregular heart rate and weakened heart muscles. According to the American College of Cardiology, eliminating alcohol abuse would result in over 34,000 fewer heart attacks, 73,000 fewer atrial fibrillation cases and 91,000 fewer patients with congestive heart failure.
“Heavy drinking puts excess strain on your heart and can cause long-term cardiovascular conditions while also increasing your risk of developing some cancers and obesity,” says Stephen Ross, a family medicine physician. “If you decide to drink, do so moderately.”
To cut down on drinking, consider removing alcohol from your home, picking a few days a week to abstain and always drink slowly. Stores and restaurants now offer many alcohol free alternatives like non-alcoholic beer, wine and liquor. At holiday gatherings, try sipping on a festive mocktail, sparkling cider or your favorite zero proof drink. If efforts to cut back don’t work, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional.
“Visiting with a primary care provider now can help prevent serious illness in the long run,” said Dr. Ross.
To find a primary care physician and schedule an appointment visit, alliancehealthponcacitydocs.com/doctors-providers or call (580) 762-9355 (WELL).
To help the community live healthier, AllianceHealth Ponca City launched a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at https://www.alliancehealthponcacity.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
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