Harmful effects of alcohol on your heart

Sometimes people find it hard to quit drinking and  only quit when there is life-threatening reason for quitting alcohol.

 

This article will give you more insight on why it is important to stop drinking, especially in order to guide against the possibility of heart attack.
 

Too much consumption of Alcohol, is a well-recognized risk factor for sudden cardiac arrests, a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating and without immediate treatment, it can quickly lead to death. Read more about Sudden Cardiac Arrests.

How does alcohol affect the heart?
 

1. Too much alcohol can raise the level of the bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood that contributes to fatty buildups in the arteries and blocks it.

Read more about the bad cholesterol and how it can damage your heart.

 

2. Heavy drinking causes stretching and drooping of the heart muscle that makes it weak (Cardiomyopathy) and not pumping the blood efficiently.

 

3. Alcohol can directly injure heart cells and cause irregular heartbeat that linked to cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
 

4. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels, which is considered as one of the most important cause of sudden cardiac arrest.

 

So, you have to take your own decision to quit drinking alcohol. You can read numerous informative articles and agree with every word written, but until you take action, nothing will change your life.

Go ahead and give yourself a good head-start by following this strategy:
 

1. Count and measure.

Decide how many days a week you want to drink and the number of drinks you'll have on those days, count them accurately, set a limit of your standard drink sizes, and try to make it smaller.

Remember that what gets measured gets managed.

 

2. Set a budget.

Only use a fixed minimal amount of money to spend on alcohol.

 

3. Avoid triggers and find alternatives.

If certain people or places make you drink, try to avoid them and fill your free time by developing new healthy activities, hobbies, and relationships.

 

4. Learn to Say “NO”

Make your “NO” ready anytime you face an alcohol offer. If you hesitate, it allows you time to think of excuses to drink.

The faster you can say NO to these offers, the less likely you are to give in.
 

You have the choice to live life as strong and healthy; it is completely your decision. Choose to take your first step towards a healthier heart and do not let alcohol control you.