The Truth About Alcohol and Your Heart Health
Can a glass of wine be heart-healthy — or is that a myth? Is any amount of alcohol safe for people with a heart condition? Here’s what recent research says.
For years, moderate drinking, such as a daily glass of red wine, was believed to protect the heart. But recent studies challenge this idea. The World Health Organization now states there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for health. Even small amounts may raise risks like high blood pressure and certain cancers, which can worsen heart disease.
When you're living with coronary artery disease, managing risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol is key to treating your condition. Alcohol can increase blood pressure and interfere with medications used to treat heart conditions, making it harder to keep your heart healthy.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to safeguard your heart. Cutting back on alcohol, even a little, can help improve blood pressure, liver health, sleep, and mental focus. Here’s how:
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Consider setting alcohol-free days.
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Manage your benefits, find doctors, review claims, and more through AvMed’s secure member portal. Create your account or sign in now.Choose non-alcoholic drinks, like sparkling water or mocktails.
Talk with your doctor
Your healthcare provider can help you understand how alcohol fits into your heart health plan. Staying informed lets you make smarter choices to protect your heart and overall well-being.
