The Impact of Alcohol on Heart Health

Moderate alcohol consumption may have some heart health benefits, but excessive drinking can lead to serious cardiovascular problems. Heavy drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and irregular heartbeats. It can also contribute to obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. If you don’t drink, there’s no need to start for heart health benefits. Prioritizing other heart-healthy habits is more beneficial for long-term health.