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Effects of Alcohol on your heart and body

Alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream quickly, but the absorption rate depends on the amount and type of food in your stomach. For example, high carbohydrate and high fat foods lessen the absorption rates and a carbonated alcoholic drink such as champagne, will be absorbed faster.

The effects of alcohol can manifest within 10 minutes and peak at approximately 40 to 60 minutes and it remains in your bloodstream until broken down by the liver. If you consume alcohol at a faster rate than it can be broken down by the liver, the blood alcohol concentration level rises.

Alcohol depresses your breathing rate, heart rate, and the control mechanisms in your brain. Effects of this include:

  • Lessened ability to drive and perform complex tasks
  • Reduced inhibitions, which may lead to embarrassing behavior
  • Reduced attention span
  • Impaired short-term memory
  • Impaired motor coordination
  • Prolonged reaction time
  • Less rapid thought processes

During the initial six-week recovery period from a heart attack, it's best to limit alcohol intake. However if you really miss it, small quantities such as 1 unit a day should do you no harm.

Always check with your doctor/pharmacist that it's okay to take alcohol as it can react with certain medications. Alcohol is high in calories and increases triglyceride levels so it's best to keep your intake moderate and use sugar free/diet mixers.

Recommended weekly intakes are not more than 14 units for a woman and 21 units for a man. One unit of alcohol is 1/ 2-pint beer/lager/cider, 1 single pub measure of spirits or 1 glass of wine.

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