2024-07-23 11:32:05
Alcohol is as ingrained in large parts of the world as drinking coffee. No one raises an eyebrow when you go out for a night of drinking. However, it can immediately cause damage to your heart.
American researchers define binge drinking as consuming five drinks in two hours for men and four drinks for women. It is not uncommon for people to experience atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder, after such a drinking spree.
Heart Rhythm Disorders after the Holidays
“During the holidays, when a lot of drinking takes place, we often see people without previous heart problems ending up in the hospital with a fast or irregular heartbeat,” says lead researcher Saugat Khanal from Ohio State University. “In our study with mice, we investigated the mechanism of alcohol-induced arrhythmia and a possible way to prevent it in the future.”
JNK2 and Alda-1
Previously, the researchers had already shown that a heart rhythm disorder caused by heavy drinking is due to an increase in the stress protein JNK2. This protein can cause heart cells to process calcium incorrectly, resulting in a too-fast or irregular heartbeat. But the good news from this study is that there is a way to prevent the activation of JNK2, namely with the help of the molecule Alda-1.
It was very clear: more than 70 percent of the mice that were given a large dose of alcohol developed a heart rhythm disorder. However, the mice that also received Alda-1 showed no signs of an abnormal heartbeat. The amount of stress protein JNK2 even doubled in the binge-drinking mice, compared to the teetotalers. But everything – the JNK2 activity and the calcium processing – remained normal in the mice that received a dose of Alda-1.
New Medications
“Not drinking alcohol can prevent heart rhythm disorders. Unfortunately, binge drinking continues to increase among all age groups despite national awareness campaigns,” Khanal responds. Therefore, he is pleased with his solution. “Our findings indicate that the development of new medications, including Alda-1 and other JNK2-specific inhibitors, could be an effective way for people with holiday-heart syndrome to prevent heart rhythm disorders.” Holiday-heart syndrome refers to heart rhythm disorders that occur after heavy drinking, for example during the holidays or on vacation.
Women Should Be Extra Cautious
Women should be a bit more cautious with alcohol after menopause, according to a second study. Normally, estrogen helps keep blood vessels open and flexible. Therefore, the hormone is generally considered to be protective against heart diseases. Higher estrogen levels can lead to fewer heart attacks and strokes in pre-menopausal women compared to men of the same age.
Surprising Effect
However, this effect changes when women receive estrogen replacements after menopause. At least that is true for female rats that received hormones to replenish their estrogen supply. When they also received a significant dose of alcohol, their blood pressure and heart rate increased. The heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body declined, as did two other indicators suggesting a worse pumping function that could ultimately lead to heart failure.
“It was surprising to see how much influence estrogen had on alcohol-induced heart disorders, despite its known protective effects,” says lead researcher Syed Anees Ahmed from East Carolina University. “Women in (pre-)menopause undergoing hormone replacement therapy should be cautious with alcohol consumption, as this can be a factor in heart disorders,” he advises.
Alcohol and Cancer
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear how harmful alcohol is to our health. It is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer, as well as liver, laryngeal, esophageal, oral, and throat cancer. There is no safe amount: the less you drink, the lower your risk of cancer. But if you do choose to drink, keep it to an average of 1 glass per day.
According to a table from Trimbos, these are the percentages of cancer cases caused by alcohol:
- Esophageal cancer 31.6 percent caused by alcohol
- Oral cancer 20.2 percent
- Throat cancer 22.0 percent
- Laryngeal cancer 15.0 percent
- Liver cancer 17.3 percent
- Colorectal cancer 8.1 percent
- Breast cancer 4.4 percent
Future Trends in Alcohol Consumption and Heart Health
As alcohol consumption remains widespread and culturally acceptable in many parts of the world, recent studies highlight the concerning effects of binge drinking on heart health. With the rise of what is now termed the holiday-heart syndrome, characterized by arrhythmias after excessive drinking, researchers are keen on exploring preventative measures that could mitigate these risks.
Emerging data from studies conducted at Ohio State University suggests that the protein JNK2 plays a central role in alcohol-induced arrhythmias by disrupting calcium processing in heart cells. Interestingly, new findings also indicate that the molecule Alda-1 could inhibit the activation of JNK2, offering a potential pathway for developing medications aimed at preventing heart rhythm disorders related to binge drinking. This shift toward targeted pharmaceutical solutions, especially for individuals prone to holiday-heart syndrome, suggests a promising avenue in cardiovascular health.
Moreover, there’s a growing emphasis on the differential effects of alcohol on men and women. Research suggests that post-menopausal women, particularly those undergoing hormone replacement therapy, may experience heightened risks of heart issues when combined with alcohol consumption. As awareness of these nuances grows, public health initiatives may increasingly focus on tailored education, encouraging women to be more cautious of their drinking habits.
Link Between Alcohol and Cancer
In parallel, the health implications of alcohol extend beyond heart health, with increasing evidence linking it to several types of cancer. Recent statistics indicate that alcohol accounts for a significant percentage of cases in diseases such as esophageal and breast cancer. This has sparked urgent discussions about safe drinking limits, leading health experts to advocate for a maximum of one drink per day, if at all. As society becomes more aware of these risks, we may observe a cultural shift towards moderation or even abstinence.
Finally, with the health repercussions of alcohol coming to light, a societal trend towards healthier lifestyles could lead to a decrease in binge drinking across various demographics. National campaigns aimed at educating the public on the risks associated with alcohol, coupled with a focus on mental health and alternative coping strategies, might contribute to changing perceptions about drinking, particularly during festive seasons.