Did you know that drinking too much alcohol can greatly affect the coagulation of your blood? Ultimately, you might be surprised to hear this. After all, haven’t a string of physicians recommended that people should drink one glass of red wine or liquor at night to prevent heart attacks and strokes? Obviously, any drug can have adverse side effects, and alcohol is no exception. Although it can be beneficial to your heart, large quantities of booze can severely thin the blood, which can result in ruptured veins and scarred arteries (further increasing the risk of strokes). Likewise, alcohol can clash with anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin). So, how can excessive amounts of booze thin your blood? Let’s take a closer look and find out more details.
Does Alcohol Thin Your Blood?
First and most importantly, you must understand that moderate amounts of alcohol can possibly help your heart and brain. According to doctor’s reports, a standard drink (typically for wine and liquor) can serve as a beneficial anticoagulant and prevent dangerous health scares like heart attacks and strokes. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), on the other hand, has been more skeptical about this argument and emphasizes how people should exercise caution around any amount of alcohol.
Alcohol and Blood Thinners
If you are taking anticoagulant medications, you should definitely stay away from alcohol or stop drinking these beverages altogether. Likewise, doctors have a very hard time determining the dosage of these lifesaving medications if a person consumes alcohol at any level. Also, keep in mind that booze can also interact with other drugs that are part of your daily routine.
Anticoagulant vs. Coagulant
On one hand, alcohol seems to be beneficial as well as dangerous, serving as a double-edged sword for people who are concerned about their heart health. Research proves that moderate drinkers do not suffer from high rates of heart disease, but alcoholics and alcohol abusers suffer from extremely high rates of bleeding-type strokes than their counterparts. Simply put, the anticoagulant effects of booze are highly unpredictable. Regardless of studies, approach this drug with extreme caution and avoid it if you have a history of addiction. Other medications for heart disease prevention exist.
Alcohol Rehab in Orange County
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of alcoholism or addiction? If you do, Asana Recovery provides world-class treatment to those struggling with addiction. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure.
