When it comes to heart health, should you raise a glass of wine or beer or refrain from drinking all together?
There isn’t one right answer for everyone because alcohol affects every person’s body (and heart) differently. One thing that many experts agree on is that if you are going to drink, moderation is key.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. And the current overall recommendations are no more than 14 drinks per week and no more than four drinks per occasion for men, and no more than seven drinks per week and no more than three drinks per occasion for women.
According to the American College of Cardiology, there is evidence that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol each day may be beneficial for heart health but consuming more than a moderate amount may increase the risk of sudden cardiac death and irregular heart rhythms.
How Much Is Too Much for Your Heart?
A pattern of excessive alcohol use – consuming four or five drinks within a few hours – is considered binge drinking. Heavy drinking and binge drinking may lead to risks for several heart-related health problems, including:
- Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiac arrhythmia
When is it Time to Put Down the Glass?
If you or a loved one is going through addiction, know that you are not alone and there is help. If you begin experiencing physical or emotional problems related to your alcohol use, you should contact your doctor to seek help. Acknowledging the problem is the first important step to recovery, and your heart will be thankful.
For family and friends of alcohol-addicted individuals, addressing the addiction is one of the most challenging aspects of helping the addicted person. If you are concerned about a loved one’s alcohol use, talk to them about getting help. There are many resources available, including Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) also provides a National Helpline – a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
How the OhanaLink App Can Provide the Support You Need
Leaning on your family or “ohana” and friends for support is important during one’s recovery from alcohol addiction. The OhanaLink app can provide the tool you need to help support a loved one through this journey with its private message center as well as access to a library of useful resources.
Download the OhanaLink app on the App Store or Google Play to help support a loved one today.
