Alcohol and heart disease

Drinking too much alcohol is one of the most common causes of hospital admission in the UK.

Drinking more than the recommended limits can have a harmful effect on the heart.

It can cause abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, damage to the heart muscle and other diseases such as stroke, liver problems and some cancers.

Alcohol is also high in calories so it can lead to weight gain. If you are trying to lose weight, cut down on alcohol.

How much can I drink?

If you drink alcohol, it is important to keep within the guidelines:

• Men should not regularly drink more than 3 - 4 units of alcohol a day. 
• Women should not regularly drink more than 2 - 3 units of alcohol a day. 

These guidelines apply whether you drink every day, once a week or occasionally. If you drink too much, avoid alcohol for 48 hours to allow your body time to recover.

Use our Alcohol Calculator to figure out how many units you drink. You can also sign up to our free service Heart Matters for more information on alcohol and other ways to keep your heart healthy.

Is it true alcohol can be good for the heart?

Moderate drinking, that is 1 or 2 units a day, may offer some protection from coronary heart disease, especially in men over 40 and women who have been through the menopause.

However, we would not advise you to start drinking if you don't already. There are safer and healthier ways to protect your heart. It is more important to start taking more physical activity, eat a healthy, balanced diet and to stop smoking.

Are any types of alcoholic drink more beneficial?

There has been speculation in recent years about which type of alcohol is most beneficial. There is evidence suggesting that red wine may provide protection against coronary heart disease, but these findings still need to be established in controlled studies.

There is also some support for the speculation that drinking with meals may be more beneficial.

Heart conditions and alcohol

I have recently been in hospital, when can I drink alcohol again?

If you’ve recently been unwell or in hospital with a heart condition, or have undergone heart surgery, you should ask your doctor for advice on when you can resume drinking alcohol.  

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

Everyone should avoid drinking too much alcohol but this is particularly important if you are taking anticoagulant medication like warfarin.

Too much alcohol can interfere with the blood clotting process, so if you do drink alcohol it is better to have just a small amount regularly. Your anticoagulant clinic will be able to advise you on this.

I have a heart condition, is it safe for me to drink?

Once you have recovered, it's OK for most people with a heart condition to drink a moderate amount of alcohol.

However if you have been diagnosed with certain conditions, such as some types of cardiomyopathy, it may be advisable to avoid drinking alcohol altogether. Check with your doctor for advice on whether it is safe for you to drink alcohol and how much.  

If you are taking medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist about how much alcohol you can drink.