15 Things You Can Do to Avoid a Heart Attack
10. Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hypertension, stroke, liver damage, cardiomyopathy, and a number of other health conditions. Alcoholic drinks are highly caloric, which contributes to obesity. The high sugar content of alcohol also increases triglycerides, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat. However, studies show that moderate alcohol consumption actually provides cardiovascular benefits. Limited amounts of red wine are even part of heart-healthy diets, including the Mediterranean diet. Experts recommend no more than two alcoholic drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. One drink is defined as five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or one and a half ounces of hard spirits. If you are having trouble with cutting back on alcohol, you should seek the advice of your doctor or other health care professional.