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Harmful Effects Of Alcohol You Don’t Know.

By socialpanga +2 more

It is needless to mention that alcohol consumption is associated with several health complications. It affects your liver and other vital organs, including your heart, brain and memory function. Alcohol increases the risk of certain types of cancers and can further lead to addiction. The impact of alcohol on your blood pressure can also heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke.  

Let’s understand the concept of blood pressure first –

A person checking blood pressure - Effects of alcohol on blood pressure

Your heart is responsible for pumping blood to the body, and this blood is transported through the arteries. To make blood circulation possible and far-reaching, some pressure is needed. Hence, the heart pumps the blood with a certain amount of pressure. Thus, the force of the heart pumps the blood is called blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Sometimes, the symptoms of high blood pressure can go undetected. Hypertension (high blood pressure) usually goes unnoticed during regular health check-ups. A few people may, however, suffer from headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, and uneasiness.

The medically proven harmful effects of alcohol include High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum. Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Can alcohol give you high blood pressure?

Studies suggest that excessive consumption of alcohol can increase blood pressure excessively, and prolonged consumption can result in hypertension. If alcohol is consumed in higher doses, it can also lead to a stroke or heart failure. In any case, please seek medical help and do not self-medicate.

However, some people think that light to moderate consumption of alcohol can improve heart health. Reasonably moderate intake of alcohol has been shown to cause a (very slight) drop in blood pressure in women. However, the effect is most probably temporary, but the risks associated with alcohol can be long-term. These changes cannot be generalised.

When we talk about alcohol and heart health, the topic of having red wine also comes into the picture. Since red wine has antioxidants and polyphenols, its regular and light consumption can aid heart health. However, occasionally, red wine will not lower your blood pressure. Nonetheless, it is known that heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of developing hypertension or aggravating it. In such cases, the quality or type of alcohol does not make a difference and can eventually harm your body in multiple ways.

Chronic pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed and painful and stays that way for years, interfering with its ability to work properly. Heavy alcohol drinking is the single most important risk factor for chronic pancreatitis.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

In a nutshell

No health benefits of alcohol can ever outweigh the serious health risks associated with it. To get your dose of antioxidants, you have better and healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables. Similarly, a nutritious diet, regular exercise and stress management can help you improve your overall health.

If you consume alcohol occasionally/ frequently,  you can also take an Alcohol Impact Checkup or Alcohol Impact Checkup – Advanced to understand the impact of alcohol on your health.

This package provides a range of tests that can help detect adverse effects of alcohol on your health. Alcohol consumption has been linked with serious conditions like Liver disease, Obesity, Kidney failure, Cancer etc. This package tests your Liver Function, Kidney Function, Lipid Profile, HbA1c, ESR, CBC, and more to help you get an overview of your health.

For anyone who drinks alcohol, It is crucial to get yourself tested regularly to keep a check on the vital parameters. Consult a doctor to understand the safe drinking limits based on your health.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

References

  1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/limiting-alcohol-to-manage-high-blood-pressure#:~:text=Limiting%20alcohol%20consumption%20can%20also,beer%2C%204%20oz.
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16922819/#:~:text=The%20increase%20in%20blood%20pressure,substantial%20reduction%20in%20alcohol%20intake.
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32609894/
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