Many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are linked to alcohol consumption, leading to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates. In fact, alcohol has various effects on the cardiovascular system. Both acute and chronic alcohol dependence can affect the blood pressure of drinkers. Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can affect the heart muscle, leading to serious consequences such as arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation…
Alcohol and Hypertension
A considerable number of studies involving a large patient population have shown a close relationship between alcohol consumption and hypertension. A study conducted on 4,626 men and 4,647 women aged 20-59 from 32 countries revealed that men consuming between 300-499 ml of alcohol per week, or over 60 ml per day, had an average systolic blood pressure 2.7 mmHg higher than non-drinkers, and 1.6 mmHg higher for diastolic pressure. Men who consumed over 500 ml of alcohol per week had systolic and diastolic blood pressure 4.6/3 mmHg higher than non-drinkers. Meanwhile, women who drank over 300 ml of alcohol per week had blood pressure higher than non-drinking women by 3.9/3.1 mmHg.
Numerous studies also indicate that individuals consuming high-alcohol beverages are more likely to develop hypertension compared to those who drink low-alcohol beverages.
Alcohol and Myocardial Ischemia
Many studies indicate a correlation between alcohol consumption and the incidence of myocardial ischemia and heart attacks. However, this correlation is inversely related to the amount of alcohol consumed daily. This means that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced rate of ischemic heart disease and heart attacks, while excessive consumption increases the risk. Additionally, alcohol reduces the level of fibrinogen in the blood and decreases platelet activation, thereby reducing the ability to form blood clots in the vessels. This may be linked to the presence of various antioxidants in French red wine, which is a notable advantage of red wine.
Alcohol Induces Arrhythmias
Heavy drinkers may experience arrhythmias, particularly supraventricular ectopic beats, after excessive drinking sessions. This condition is often referred to as “holiday heart syndrome,” which describes the arrhythmias in individuals with normal hearts after episodes of heavy drinking during holidays or celebrations. In individuals under 65 years of age, excessive drinking is a major cause, accounting for up to 63% of cases of atrial fibrillation.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption Can Lead to Heart Failure
Alcohol can have a direct detrimental effect on the heart muscle, especially on the left ventricle, potentially leading to heart failure. Another contributing factor to this process is that individuals with alcohol dependence often have diets deficient in vitamin B1, and this deficiency can lead to heart failure. These cases are referred to as alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy.
Effects on Peripheral Blood Vessels
For peripheral blood vessels such as the femoral arteries, popliteal arteries, and arm vessels, alcohol appears to reduce the risk of disease. One study showed that the rate of individuals consuming alcohol daily who developed peripheral artery disease was 0.92 compared to non-drinkers or those drinking less than once a week. The harmful effects of smoking on these blood vessels are significantly more pronounced.
Alcohol and Earthly Pleasures
Individuals who consume alcohol moderately may reduce their risk of coronary artery disease by 40-70% compared to non-drinkers or those who drink excessively. Another study indicated that moderate drinking, particularly of red wine, is associated with lower incidences of Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration in older age.
In healthy individuals, men can consume up to 21 drinks per week, while women should limit their intake to under 14 drinks per week. In reality, few people know how to stay within these limits, and alcohol is a cause of numerous tragedies for individuals, families, and society as a whole. How to balance health and “earthly pleasures” remains a challenging question, as the existence of each person is inherently intertwined with both domains.
PGS-TS-BS Nguyễn Hoài Nam (University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City)
