Alcohol

When can I start drinking alcohol if I have been unwell or in hospital?

If you have recently been unwell or been in hospital with a heart condition or have had surgery, it is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink for a few weeks. Small amounts - for example, a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine a day - will probably do you no harm, but avoid having too much alcohol.

If you are taking sleeping tablets or painkillers, remember that alcohol will have a more powerful effect.

Everyone should avoid binge drinking but this is particularly important if you are taking anticoagulant tablets.  Too much alcohol can interfere with the anticoagulation process, so if you do drink alcohol it is better to have just a small amount regularly rather than a large amount in one go.

If you drink alcohol, make sure you drink within the recommended guidelines.

• Men should drink no more than 3 to 4 units a day
• Women should drink no more than 2 to 3 units a day

These guidelines apply whether you drink every day, once or twice a week or just occasionally.

1 unit of alcohol =

• half a pint (300ml) of beer, bitter, lager or cider (3% to 5% alcohol by volume)
• or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits such as gin, vodka, whisky or rum
• or a small glass (100ml) of wine (10% alcohol by volume)

Moderate drinking

Between 1 and 2 units of alcohol a day - may offer some protection against coronary heart disease.  However, if you don't already drink alcohol, there is no need for you to start as there are much healthier ways to look after your heart.  There is little evidence that red wine has any specific benefits over other alcoholic drinks.

Drinking more than the sensible limits shown does not protect the heart and can actually lead to damage to the heart muscle, abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, stroke and some cancers.  Alcohol is high in calories too so it can lead to weight gain.  For more information please see our fact sheet Alcohol and the heart under our FAQ section.

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