Alcohol & your heart: A DEADLY combo?

The holiday season is a time to celebrate!

And that means raising a glass of your favorite wine, beer, or cocktail.

And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the holidays with your favorite adult beverage, it’s important to do so responsibly.

Because according to some new research, too much alcohol can be a trigger for a potentially DEADLY heart condition.

Here’s everything you need to know… and how you can still celebrate (in moderation).

According to a research study from the University of California-San Francisco, alcohol is a major trigger for arterial fibrillation (AFib)—the most common form of irregular heartbeat which can raise risk of heart attack or stroke down the road.

AFib is caused by a number of different factors—including lack of sleep, caffeine, poor diet, and alcohol…

But this study found that alcohol was the one factor that always resulted in significantly more self-reported bouts of AFib.

So, what does this mean for you?

Even if you’re the healthiest person in the world, drinking too much alcohol isn’t healthy. But that doesn’t mean your health is wrecked just from a single glass of wine.

Just remember… everything in MODERATION!

And, if you enjoy a few drinks every now and then and have been diagnosed with AFib (or have a history of AFib in your family), discuss with your doctor or cardiologist about the best—and most responsible—way to enjoy it. (Especially if you’re on any heart medications.)

If you know you will be going to multiple parties or celebrations this holiday season, perhaps choose to only drink at one or two occasions. And if you choose to indulge, be sure to limit yourself.

Your heart with thank you!

To celebrating the holidays responsibly,

Cory Templeman
Senior Editor, eAlert

Sources:

Anderer, John. “Alcohol identified as the sole trigger for more episodes of arterial fibrillation.” https://studyfinds.org/alcohol-arterial-fibrillation/