Doctor: If you drink again, your life is in danger at any timeOn a cold winter night, Mr. Li, a 65-year-old retired teacher, felt unusually stuffy in his chest after a happy gathering with friends, accompanied by violent heart palpitations. Although he thought it was just a temporary discomfort caused by alcohol, he decided to ignore it. However, on his way home, the feeling suddenly intensified and became unbearable. After being rushed to the hospital, doctors confirmed that he had undergone a myocardial infarction — commonly known as a heart attack. Mr. Li never imagined that a few seemingly harmless glasses of wine on weekdays could panic into a battle between life and death. This real-life incident reminds us that drunken heart flutter is never a small matter and can be a precursor to a heart attack, especially in middle-aged and elderly people at risk of heart disease. Recognizing these warning signs, and taking appropriate precautions, is essential for maintaining health. In this article, we'll explore how alcohol affects heart health, why certain people need to be especially vigilant after drinking, and how to safely respond to a flurry after drinking to keep your heart safe and that of your loved ones.
Palpitation plus heart attack: the invisible threat of alcohol
Alcohol and the heart: a potentially fatal interaction: When alcohol enters the body, it first affects the heart's electrophysiological activity, causing the heart to beat faster, a phenomenon known as tachycardia. Long-term drinking or heavy alcohol consumption will directly damage the heart muscle cells, the heart function will gradually decline, and the heart muscle will not be able to pump blood effectively, thus causing palpitation. In addition, alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, lowers blood pressure, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, and further aggravates heartbeat perception. What's more, alcohol panic is not just a temporary physiological reaction. If you have an underlying heart condition, such as coronary artery disease, alcohol can exacerbate the lack of oxygen to the heart muscle and increase the risk of myocardial infarction. Therefore, feeling flustered after drinking alcohol can be a precursor to a heart attack and should cause a high level of alertness.
High-risk groups who should not drink alcohol
People with heart disease: People with any form of cardiovascular disease, including valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease, should avoid alcohol. Alcohol may cause arrhythmias, increase the burden on the heart, and cause acute myocardial infarction. Patients with high systemic arterial blood pressure: Alcohol can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, which may then rebound to an increase in blood pressure, which can worsen the already high blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular accidents. Patients with abnormal glucose metabolism: Alcohol consumption in diabetic patients may lead to imbalance in blood sugar control, and alcohol may also affect the normal function of the liver, making blood sugar regulation more complicated. At the same time, vascular health in such patients is often poor, and alcohol intake increases the probability of cardiovascular disease.
People with a family history of heart disease: This group carries a higher genetic risk, and alcohol intake can trigger or worsen heart disease. Older adults: As the heart becomes less able to cope with stress as they age, it becomes more difficult for the heart to cope with the stimuli of alcohol, so even moderate alcohol consumption can pose a threat to their heart health. These high-risk groups should be especially cautious when deciding whether or not to drink alcohol. These populations are advised to avoid alcohol altogether or to limit their alcohol intake extremely under the guidance of a physician so as not to exacerbate existing health problems or trigger new cardiovascular events due to alcohol intake. In any case, when facing symptoms such as palpitation, one should seek medical help immediately so as not to miss the best time to treat a heart attack.
Coping with Alcohol Panic: What to Do First When You Feel Alcohol Panic, the key is to take immediate action to reduce the risk of heart problems. Here are a few practical steps: Stop drinking and rest: When you feel flustered, stop drinking immediately and sit or lie down to rest. Avoid any physical activity as this increases the strain on the heart. Hydration and electrolyte replenishment: Drinking water or electrolyte drinks can help stabilize your heart rate and reduce palpitations caused by dehydration. Help in an emergency: If panic is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion, call the emergency number immediately for medical help. These symptoms may indicate a more serious heart problem. Monitor regularly: If you have a history of heart disease or other heart problems, use a heart rate monitor to check for changes in your heart rate regularly.
Safe Drinking: How Can Middle-aged and Older Adults Reduce Risk?
For middle-aged and older adults, it is essential to master the skills of safe drinking. These tips can help you reduce the health risks associated with alcohol consumption: Limit alcohol intake: The recommended alcohol intake should not exceed 1 drink per day (equivalent to 10 grams of pure alcohol). Such an amount can reduce the impact on the heart. Choose when and where you want to drink: Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as it can speed up the absorption of alcohol. Choosing to drink in a relaxed environment with family or friends can help control the amount of alcohol you drink. Alternative beverages: Consider replacing traditional alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beverages. These drinks can reduce the effects of alcohol on the body while meeting the demands of social situations. Monitor physical reactions: Pay attention to your body's response to alcohol, especially your heartbeat and blood pressure. Any unusual changes should be brought to your attention. Through these strategies, middle-aged and older people can enjoy social activities while protecting their heart health and preventing alcohol panic from turning into more serious heart problems. These suggestions are designed to give you maximum support and guidance in practice.