Alcohol And The Heart

During the holidays we find ourselves attending more social events, at these events there is always an abundance of food and alcohol. Before attending these events it is always wise to ask your health care provider some questions. Ask them if consuming alcohol could cause any problems with your heart or interfere with any medication that you are presently taking.

Research that has taken place suggest that moderate alcohol consumption my actually be beneficial for your heart. Drinking one drink a day for women or lightweight individuals and two drinks per day for men is suggested. Some examples are 12 ounces of beer or wine coolers, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

Some of the benefits of alcohol on your heart are it may raise your good cholesterol level HDL. Alcohol may also help prevent artery damage caused when your LDL is higher then normal. You may also find that your blood pressure will become lower.

Drinking the recommended amounts of alcohol may also prevent blood clots, which is a benefit in some cases, but there is also an increased risk of bleeding. This is why you need to discuss alcohol consumption with your health care provider.

Drinking alcohol can be harmful for some people. Those who have heart failure, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, diabetes, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), a history of sudden cardiac death or stroke, obesity, high triglycerides, or are taking medications should speak to their doctor before drinking alcohol. Also, if you are pregnant or have a history of alcoholism, you should not drink alcohol.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-alcohol-your-heart