How does excessive drinking contribute to heart disease?

It causes liver failure.

It causes fatty deposits in the heart.

It causes decreased blood pressure.

It causes decreased heart rate.

1 answer

Excessive drinking primarily contributes to heart disease through several mechanisms, but among the options you've listed, "it causes fatty deposits in the heart" is the closest to a relevant consequence. Here's a bit more detail on how excessive alcohol consumption contributes to heart disease:

  1. Fatty Deposits: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to the accumulation of fat in the heart muscle, which can impair cardiac function and increase the risk of heart disease.

  2. Increased Blood Pressure: Alcohol can cause elevated blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

  3. Irregular Heartbeats: Heavy drinking can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which can also increase the risk of heart disease.

  4. Cardiomyopathy: Chronic excessive drinking can lead to a condition known as alcoholic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle weakens and does not pump blood effectively.

  5. Impact on Cholesterol: Alcohol can contribute to unhealthy levels of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors for heart disease.

While excessive drinking does not directly cause liver failure in the context of heart disease, it can certainly lead to liver problems, which indirectly affect heart health. So, in conclusion, the most relevant answer is that excessive drinking contributes to "fatty deposits in the heart."