Heavy drinking linked to dangerous fat buildup around heart, liver.

Heavy drinking linked to dangerous fat buildup around heart, liver.

Drinking Alcohol and the Risks to Your Heart: What You Need to Know

Before you pour yourself another drink, you should consider this sobering research: heavy drinking can lead to the accumulation of fat around the heart, which can result in heart failure and other cardiac problems. This fat around the heart, known as pericardial fat, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In addition, heavy drinking is also linked to excess fat deposits around the liver and kidneys, which can lead to diseases of these organs as well.

According to Dr. Richard Kazibwe, an assistant professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the accumulation of fats in these areas, especially around the heart, has been linked to a higher risk of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease – one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Alcohol affects how the body handles fat, and drinking is a known risk factor for obesity.

Drinking alcohol influences the body’s metabolism, as well as the distribution of fat in various areas of the body. This is how fat ends up surrounding the heart. However, it is unclear whether this fat will disappear if you stop drinking. While fat around the liver can be reduced by quitting alcohol, the same may not be true for fat around the heart.

In any case, the bottom line is clear: drinking alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease, along with other dangers that may not even be related to the heart, such as cancer. So, drinking less is undoubtedly beneficial for your heart.

To further explore the connection between heavy drinking and fat accumulation in the organs, Dr. Kazibwe and his colleagues collected data from over 6,700 individuals as part of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, which focuses on heart disease research. Participants identified themselves in the following categories: never drinkers, former drinkers, light drinkers (less than one alcoholic drink daily), moderate drinkers (one to two drinks a day), heavy drinkers (more than two drinks a day), or binge drinkers (five or more drinks in a single day).

• Older Americans’ Finances Decline Before Dementia Diagnosis
• Q&A How to Protect Myself and Others from COVID?
• New device aids insulin production for type 1 diabetes.

These participants underwent CT scans to visualize the buildup of fat around various organs, also known as ectopic fat. The findings revealed that heavy drinkers and binge drinkers had significant fat deposits around the heart, liver, and kidneys compared to individuals who never consumed alcohol. On the other hand, light to moderate drinkers had the lowest levels of fat accumulation. Interestingly, the highest levels of fat were seen among those who predominantly consumed beer or liquor, while wine drinkers had comparatively less fat accumulation.

While the reasons for this difference are not entirely clear, the researchers suggest that the beneficial compounds found in wine, called polyphenols, may play a role. These compounds have been known to have certain health benefits. It is also possible that other lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, contribute to the observed differences. For example, wine drinkers may have better access to healthcare and healthier lifestyles overall.

The findings of this study are not surprising to Dr. Benjamin Hirsh, director of preventive cardiology at Northwell Health’s Bass Heart Hospital. He agrees that drinking is bad news for the heart. Alcohol is filled with saturated fat and high carbohydrates, making it the number one risk factor for high triglycerides – a type of fat in the blood that causes fat deposition. Furthermore, excess fat, known as adipose fat, can cause inflammation, increasing the risk of plaque buildup in blood vessels.

Dr. Hirsh emphasizes the importance of limiting alcohol consumption and following the recommended guidelines. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, men should consume no more than two alcoholic drinks a day, while women should have no more than one.

In conclusion, heavy drinking can have detrimental effects on the heart, leading to fat accumulation around crucial organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. This fat accumulation increases the risk of heart disease and other related health problems. It is essential to understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption and to limit the amount consumed for the sake of overall heart health. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to alcohol and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

References: – Richard Kazibwe, MD, assistant professor, internal medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C. – Benjamin Hirsh, MD, director, preventive cardiology, Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital Northwell Health, Manhasset, N.Y. – Journal of the American Heart Association, Sept. 8, 2023, online