Alcohol Abuse and it’s Effects

Those who have a history of alcohol abuse have a greater frequency of high blood pressure. This is apparent when a person drinks more than 5 alcoholic drinks per day.  High blood pressure as much as doubles when 6 or more alcoholic beverages per day are consumed. Among the risk factors for hypertension, alcohol is surprisingly second only to obesity.

Numerous studies have proved that moderate alcohol consumption (no more than 2 drinks/day for men and 1 drink/day for women) helps protect against heart disease by raising HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing plaque accumulations in the arteries. On the other hand, consumption of more than three alcoholic drinks a day has a direct toxic effect on the heart. Alcohol abuse, particularly over time, can damage the heart and lead to high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and stroke.

According to the NIAAA, considerable evidence suggests a connection between alcohol abuse and increased risk for cancer, with an estimated 2 to 4 percent of all cancer cases thought to be caused either directly or indirectly by alcohol. A strong association exists between alcohol use and cancers of the esophagus, pharynx, and mouth. Together, these cancers kill more than 125,000 people annually in the United States.

Source:  Research Society on Alcoholism

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