If your go-to stress-relieving habit is to unwind with a few alcoholic beverages in the evening, it’s time to replace it with another coping mechanism. According to two cardiologists and a registered dietitian we talked to, this habit is detrimental to heart health—and yes, that includes red wine! “Excessive wine or alcohol consumption does not have any benefit for heart health,” says Dr. Paul Drury, MD, a cardiologist and associate medical director of electrophysiology at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.Related: 'I'm a Cardiologist and These Are the 2 Packaged Foods I Swear By for Heart Health'
Dr. Joshua Weisbrot, MD, FAAC, a cardiologist with Atlantic Health, says that immediately after consuming alcohol, blood pressure lowers. He explains that part of the reason why this happens is that it leads to feeling less stressed and more relaxed. Lindsay Malone, RD, a clinical dietitian and instructor in the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, adds to this, explaining that right after drinking, alcohol can act as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the blood vessels and can temporarily lower blood pressure. “This is partly due to its effect on nitric oxide pathways and the sedative impact on the central nervous system,” she says.Related: 'I'm a Cardiologist—This Is the One Workout I Do Multiple Times a Week for Heart Health'
Malone echoes this point. “Over time, daily alcohol use, even at low levels, can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies show a clear dose-dependent relationship between alcohol and hypertension, particularly with regular use.” She adds that alcohol can also interfere with sleep, increase stress hormones and be taxing on the liver. “There’s also a ‘J-curve’ in the research, where very light drinkers may show slightly lower cardiovascular risk, but that benefit disappears quickly and reverses as intake increases, even just above one drink per day. According to the American Heart Association, the safest approach is not daily drinking, but rather low-frequency, low-volume use, if at all,” she shares.
Better Ways To Relax
If movement tends to energize you instead of make you feel more relaxed, Malone explains that creative hobbies like knitting, painting, coloring, crocheting or working a puzzle can all be effective ways to relax in the evening. Still want something to sip on? She recommends making a mocktail or trying alcohol-free wine or N/A beer.
“There are much better and more heart-healthy ways to relax instead of consuming alcohol,” Dr. Drury says. Think about what works for you and integrate it into your evening. While enjoying the occasional alcoholic drink to socialize or celebrate won’t negatively impact health, regularly relying on alcohol to relax will. When it comes to planning your nightly wind-down routine, go with your heart!
Related: Exactly How Many Minutes of Walking You Need To Do Per Day To Boost Heart Health
Sources
Dr. Paul Drury, MD, cardiologist and associate medical director of electrophysiology at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CaliforniaDr. Joshua Weisbrot, MD, FAAC, cardiologist with Atlantic HealthLindsay Malone, RD, clinical dietitian and instructor in the Department of Nutrition at Case Western Reserve University School of MedicineHence then, the article about this popular nighttime habit could spike your blood pressure cardiologists warn was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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