Is drinking good or bad for your heart as a senior?

It seems like there is a great deal of conflicting information regarding the link between alcohol and heart disease. This is because the link between them is somewhat complicated. Michigan home care states that research has demonstrated that alcohol can be beneficial to a healthy heart, but, it can also be harmful in certain situations. How does alcohol benefit the heart?rnModerate amounts of alcohol have been found to be beneficial to the heart and protect individuals from heart disease. Although it has been proven by research, it is not as simple as it sounds. The amount of alcohol should not exceed one glass for women and two glasses for men. One glass should be about 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer. Research has found that this amount can help lower blood pressure, raise HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), prevent clots from forming, and prevent buildup of HDL in the arteries which can lead to damage or atherosclerosis. Other research has also found that wine can help prevent cancer because of its high antioxidant content. Alcohol is beneficial when it is combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. When is alcohol harmful?rnMichigan Senior Care understands that although alcohol can do a lot of good to the heart, it can also cause a great deal of damage to the body. Most people have a hard time limiting their drinking to 5 oz. of wine or 12 oz. of beer a day. If a person drinks quantities greater than these, it can cause dehydration and inflammation in the body and can even have long-term effects on the kidneys and liver. Alcohol can be especially harmful to people that have cardiomyopathy, diabetes, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure. Research has also found that alcohol can increase the level of triglycerides and can increase the risk of breast cancer because it raises levels of estrogen. Alcohol and seniorsrnIf seniors are in good health and are not affected by the aforementioned diseases, alcohol can be very beneficial to them. Drinking one or two glasses of alcohol a day can prevent heart disease that is very common as individuals’ age. Michigan Elderly Care states that sleep problems are very common amongst seniors and alcohol can help them achieve restful sleep. Although alcohol can be beneficial in most ways, most individuals are afflicted by the diseases that can be harmful with alcohol. In addition, older individuals usually take medications that can have interactions with alcohol. It is important for seniors to consult with their doctors to determine if drinking will be beneficial or detrimental to their health.