2024-09-10 18:00:34
From the moment alcohol enters your body, your heart rate can change. Have you ever felt tachycardia after drinking? We tell you why it happened.
Last update: September 10, 2024
Alcohol consumption and its effect on heart health is controversial. Although there is a belief that a glass of wine a day may offer benefits, currently, there is a greater emphasis on the risks linked to consumption than the possible protection for the heart.
In healthy adults, Occasional use of alcohol does not always cause serious problems in the short term. However, immediate changes can be observed in heart rate and blood pressure, which usually occur once alcohol is metabolized by the liver.
Despite the effects so far, Excessive intake has serious consequences. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, stroke and heart failure.
The immediate effects of alcohol on the heart
Some changes in the cardiovascular system are temporary and reversible. Its appearance depends on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed and individual characteristics.
Increased heart rate
Alcohol consumption can cause a temporary increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia. It is called as such when it exceeds 100 beats per minute.
After having a few drinks and during participation, it is common to feel palpitations and the sensation of a fast heartbeat. An acceleration of the heart is due to a combination of the following conditions:
- Stress increases, which increases the release of cortisol, a hormone that affects heart rate.
- Alcohol affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls abnormal functions, such as heart palpitations.
- Alcohol’s arterial dilation temporarily lowers blood pressure and causes the heart to pump faster to maintain circulation.
- As a diuretic, alcohol increases water loss and can cause dehydration, making the heart work harder to maintain pressure.
- After use, the body can experience a regenerative effect, in which the nervous system overcomes to recover, leading to an increased heart rate.
Tachycardia episodes due to alcoholic beverages They can last for a few hours or last more than a day. Its duration varies depending on how much you eat, prior hydration, physical condition and how fast the body moves.
Increased blood pressure
Alcohol can also cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. These improvements can be significant, especially if the sizes are large.
What happened is a double the effect on blood pressure: during the first hours after eating, alcohol decreases, but then increases. This phenomenon is due to inhibition of the nerve and activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Although the increase was temporary, Frequent alcohol consumption is related to a higher incidence of high blood pressure in the long term. The risk is noticeable even when drinking moderate amounts (two drinks a day for men and one for women).
On the other hand, alcohol increases the risk of insulin resistance and obstructive sleep apnea. Both are causes of secondary hypertension.
What can you do to control the immediate effects of alcohol on your mind?
In order for your mind to return to its normal state after having a few drinks, you must Wait for the effects to disappear completely. That takes time. However, there are some things you can do to relieve symptoms:
- Relax and breathe deeply.
- Stay rested and avoid physical exertion.
- Drink plenty of water to help rehydrate.
- Avoid consuming caffeine or other stimulants that increase heart rate.
- Monitor your blood pressure. If it is higher than 140/90 mmHg, consult a doctor.
If you experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or feeling dizzy, It is important to seek medical attention immediately. They may be a sign of a more serious problem.
Long term results
Drinking too much or too much alcohol has consequences. Long-term exposure damages the heart and nerves.
Arrhythmias
Alcohol weakens the heart muscle and affects its ability to contract. The change can cause arrhythmias, that is, abnormal heartbeats; too fast, slow or irregular.
Lack of regularity increases the risk of adverse effects, including strokes, heart attacks, and sudden death. A dangerous form of arrhythmia, known as atrial fibrillation, is associated with with excessive and frequent consumption of alcohol.
And some times increase the risk even more. Holiday or Christmas syndrome, for example, which involves heavy drinking during the holiday season, can cause arrhythmias.
Cerebrovascular accident
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by freezing or broken equipment.
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke by raising blood pressure. Over time, hypertension damages the arteries, making them easier to rupture or block.
In addition, alcohol can alter cholesterol levels, increase inflammation, and promote arrhythmias. All are factors that contribute to the risk of stroke.
heart attack
An acute myocardial infarction or AMI occurs when Blood flow to the heart is suddenly interrupted. This causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, and can lead to death.
Excessive alcohol consumption increases blood pressure and triglycerides. In addition, it favors the development of cardiovascular diseases that increase the likelihood of AMI.
alcoholic cardiomyopathy
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a disease that develops due to long-term alcohol consumption. This situation It is characterized by weakness and increased heart rate, The result is a reduced ability to pump blood. As a result, you may experience symptoms of heart failure:
Coronary artery disease
Coronary heart disease is a condition in which The arteries that supply blood to the heart are narrowed or hardened. This process, called atherosclerosis, usually occurs due to the production of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in the blood vessels.
Excessive alcohol consumption raises cholesterol levels and promotes the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. In addition, it can damage the endothelium, which is the inner layer of blood vessels.
Is it true that it is beneficial to drink a batch of wine?
It is already believed that alcohol consumption, especially red wine, can offer benefits for heart health. But current evidence casts doubt on this belief.
Although some studies suggest that smoking may have a low risk of causing heart problems, there is no safe amount of alcohol. Even low intake may be related to cardiovascular riskssuch as atrial fibrillation and stroke.
Therefore, both experts and organizational health They advise against drinking alcohol as a strategy to reduce the risk of heart disease. Instead, it is better to take other measures:
Check your energy levels
Alcohol consumption and heart health are closely related. Although some of the effects may be temporary, frequent alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing diseases.
Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to the amount and frequency with which you take it. If you have concerns about its use or experience alarming heart symptoms, Do not hesitate to seek professional help..
#heart #drinking #alcohol