Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol is one of the most common
causes of hospital admission in the UK.
What are the dangers of drinking too much?
Drinking more than the recommended limits can
have a harmful effect on the heart. It can cause abnormal heart rhythms,
high blood pressure,
damage to the heart
muscle other diseases such as stroke,
liver
problems and some cancers.
Alcohol is also high in calories so it can lead to weight gain.
So if you are trying to lose
weight, cut down on alcohol.
How much can I drink?
If you drink alcohol, it is important to keep within the
guidelines:
- Men should not regularly
drink more than 3 - 4 units of alcohol a
day.
- Women should not regularly
drink more than 2 - 3 units of alcohol a
day.
These guidelines apply whether you drink every day, once a week
or occasionally. If you drink to much, avoid alcohol for 48 hours
to allow your body time to recover.
How much is one unit of alcohol?
- one small glass (100mls) of
wine (10% alcohol by volume - be aware that many
wines have a higher alcohol content than this and the
size of glasses may be bigger)
- or half a pint (about 300mls) of
normal strength lager, cider or beer (for example
3.5% - be aware that many beers and ciders have a higher volume
than this)
- or 1 pub measure (25mls) of
spirits
Is it true that alcohol is good for the heart?
Moderate drinking, that is 1
or 2 units a day, may offer some
protection from coronary heart disease, especially in men over 40
and women who have been through the menopause.
However, we would not advise you to start
drinking if you don't already. There are safer and healthier ways
to protect your heart. It is more important to start taking
more physical activity,
eat a healthy, balanced
diet and to stop
smoking.
Which type of alcoholic drink is most beneficial?
There has been much speculation in recent years about which type
of alcohol is most beneficial. There is evidence
suggesting that red wine may provide protection against coronary
heart disease, but these findings still need to be
substantiated in controlled studies.
There is also some support for the speculation that drinking
with meals may be more beneficial.
Guidance for anyone with a heart condition
I have recently been in hospital because of my
heart condition, when can I start drinking alcohol
again?
If you’ve recently been unwell or in hospital with a
heart
condition or have undergone heart surgery, you
should ask your doctor for advise on when
you can resume drinking alcohol.
If you are taking sleeping
tablets or painkillers, remember that
alcohol will have a more powerful effect.
Everyone should avoid drinking too much
alcohol but this is particularly important if you are taking
anticoagulant medication like
warfarin. Too much alcohol can interfere with the
blood clotting process, so if you do drink alcohol it is better to
have just a small amount regularly. Your anticoagulant clinic will
be able to advise you on this.
Is it safe for me to drink?
Once you have recovered, it is OK for most
people with a heart condition to drink a moderate amount of
alcohol. However if you have been diagnosed with
certain conditions such as some types of cardiomyopathy,
it may be advisable to avoid drinking alcohol
altogether. Check with your doctor for advise on whether it
is safe for you to drink alcohol and how much.
If you are taking medication, check with your
doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you can drink.
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For more information
Download or order a copy of our booklet Eating Well
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