Alcohol and Heart Conditions

12/14/2023

ENMMG Cardiovascular Specialists
Fundador Adajar, M.D.

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.

“Drinking too much puts excess strain on your heart and can cause long-term cardiovascular conditions while also increasing your risk of developing some cancers and obesity. Bottom line, if you choose to drink, practice moderation.”

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.

Eastern New Mexico Medical Center is a 162-bed acute care hospital guided by a mission to be a great place for employees to work, physicians to practice, and patients to receive compassionate and quality care. In addition to emergency services and medical and surgical care, the hospital provides specialty services including invasive cardiology, cancer treatment, women’s services, rehabilitation, mental health services and advanced diagnostic imaging. ENMMC is fully accredited by The Joint Commission and is an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Level III Trauma Center a Certified Primary Stroke Center.

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