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Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption is related to a higher risk of injuries and deaths by traffic accidents, suicide, marital violence, or child abuse, among others [12]. In contrast, light-to-moderate alcohol drinking has https://ecosoberhouse.com/ been linked with beneficial effect such as a reduction of risk of mortality by CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke [12]. Socioeconomic status (SES) can also influence individual patterns of consumption [12,13].
- Over-imbibing can affect how quickly your blood clots and can increase your chances of falling.
- It can result in a longer hospital stay and an extended recovery time.
- However, if you are taking blood thinners, drinking even that much may be risky.
- This healthy type of cholesterol helps protect your arteries and prevent the blood clots that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Understanding these effects is crucial in debunking the myth surrounding the idea that alcohol can thin your blood.
From the first sip, alcohol impacts the body—even if you don’t realize it. Any amount of alcohol can diminish your judgment and functioning, and even low or moderate alcohol use can have harmful effects on different organs. Thick blood (hypercoagulability) stops oxygen, hormones, and nutrients from moving smoothly throughout your body.
Immediate Effects
Blood thinners may interact with alcohol as well as certain other medications, foods, and dietary supplements. For example, the NIAA advises that drinking alcohol while taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner, can have adverse blood thinners and alcohol effects. But sometimes, a blood clot can form in — or travel to — an artery that supplies your heart or brain with oxygen-rich blood. This may lower your risk for the type of strokes caused by blockages in blood vessels.
- However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol with any new medication.
- One of the first and most important risks of using alcohol is that it can make you more prone to excessive bleeding while you’re intoxicated.
- Not surprisingly, alcohol consumption has complex and varying effects on platelet function.
- The above review noted that low to moderate alcohol consumption can decrease platelet activation and aggregation, meaning it may reduce blood clotting in a similar way to blood thinning medications.
- In this article, a bibliographic review was carried out through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar from October 2019 to February 2020.
This forms a platelet plug, which is the initial step in the clotting process. It’s important to note that the effects of alcohol on blood can vary depending on various factors, such as the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, overall health, and individual differences. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, seeking professional help is essential. Depending on the amount consumed, alcohol can either increase or decrease blood pressure.
Does Alcohol Have Long-Term Effects on Blood?
It’s important to approach the topic with accurate information and consider individual factors such as overall health, lifestyle choices, and any existing medical conditions. When alcohol is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and begins to exert its effects on the body. One immediate effect of alcohol on blood is its ability to dilate blood vessels.
If you don’t have major health issues, you may be able to drink lightly to moderately with your doctor’s permission. Blood thinners are medications that prevent blood clots from occurring. Although alcohol thins your blood, drinking instead of taking medication can be dangerous. No, doctors strongly advise against drinking alcohol on blood thinners. Doing this can increase the risk of severe bleeding due to an accident or injury. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to drink alcohol while taking blood thinners.
