Booze and Your Heart: The Truth Behind the Buzz

Thank you for joining me on this journey. My name is Jason Youngs and on December 9, 2022 I found out I have Coronary Artery Disease. I decided to document my journey to recovery on TikTok. It adds accountability for me, as well as an opportunity to educate others, while I educate myself. I use words and concepts that are easily understood. I am not a doctor and this is for educational use only. Thank you for joining me and sharing my journey.

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever wondered how alcohol affects your heart health?

Excessive drinking can increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a serious condition that affects the blood vessels of the heart and can lead to heart attack or stroke. But did you know that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of CAD and improve your heart health? In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between alcohol and CAD and provide some practical tips for reducing or quitting alcohol.

So, what exactly is the link between alcohol and CAD?

Well, research has shown that drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood. It can also lead to weight gain, which is another risk factor for CAD. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with blood clotting and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Given the potential risks of alcohol to your heart health, it's important to be mindful of your alcohol intake.

Here are a few strategies that can help you reduce or quit alcohol:

1. Set a goal: Decide how much you want to drink, and stick to it. You can try cutting back gradually, or quitting alcohol altogether. Having a goal can help you stay on track and achieve your desired level of alcohol intake.

2. Find alternative activities: Instead of drinking alcohol, find other things to do that you enjoy, such as socializing with friends and loved ones without alcohol, or trying new hobbies.

3. Drink in moderation or not at all: If you do choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means limiting your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day for men, and no more than one drink per day for women.

4. Seek support: If you're having trouble reducing or quitting alcohol, don't be afraid to seek help from friends, family, or a healthcare professional. There are many resources available, such as support groups, counseling, journaling and medications, that can help you achieve your goal. I use the "Beautiful People" Heart Health Journal from Amazon. It's my "Go To" Heart Health Journal.

THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR ME

On December 9, 2022 the choice for me had never been so clear. Seeing the Calcium Cardiac CT Scan Score was a real blow to the bow of my ship. The decision to give up drinking was not hard, at all, from that perspective. Until that moment, I didn’t have to think about the Heart Health repercussions of drinking. Honestly, my drinking habit was not that bad to start with. My average alcohol consumption would probably be one to two days per week, with 2-3 Hard Seltzers or Ciders, with 95% of my drinking being social in nature. For me, it was a simple choice that I felt good about making.

So, what happens to your coronary arteries when you quit alcohol?

By quitting alcohol, you can lower your risk of CAD and improve your overall heart health. Your blood pressure and cholesterol levels may improve, and you may also lose weight, which can further reduce your risk of CAD. If you are a drinker, you may consider taking Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle helps maintain healthy liver function by supporting the structure of the outer cell membrane of liver cells.

Isn’t wine a heart healthy beverage?

Some studies have suggested that moderate wine consumption may have some heart-healthy benefits. However, it's important to keep in mind that these studies have been observational, which means they don't prove that wine directly causes these benefits. So, if you do choose to drink wine, be sure to do so in moderation and be mindful of the risks.

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of CAD and other serious heart problems. By reducing or quitting alcohol, you can improve your heart health and lower your risk of CAD. If you do choose to drink alcohol, be sure to do so in moderation and be aware of the risks. Remember, there are many alternative activities to enjoy, and there is support available if you need help reducing or quitting alcohol.

Author: Jason Youngs, TikTok Educator

Email: MrJason Youngs@gmail.com