Binge drinking doesn’t just affect your judgment; it can take a serious toll on your heart.

While many people associate heavy alcohol use with liver damage, fewer realize that excessive drinking can also raise your risk for long-term cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and even heart failure.

Whether it’s an occasional weekend binge or a more regular habit, understanding how alcohol impacts your heart health is an essential step toward protecting your overall well-being.

What Does Alcohol Do to the Heart?

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, young adults who binge drink frequently are more likely to show early risk factors for cardiovascular disease compared to those who don’t.

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking is commonly defined as:

• Five or more drinks in a row for men.
• Four or more drinks in a row for women.

This level of consumption can strain your cardiovascular system in different ways. For example:

• In men, binge drinking can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• In women, it can elevate blood glucose, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart complications.

Over time, these effects can increase the risk for serious heart conditions, even if you only binge drink occasionally.

Can Alcohol Cause Irregular Heartbeat?

Yes. The American Heart Association notes that heavy alcohol use may lead to arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. This can feel like fluttering, racing, or skipped heartbeats and may become more dangerous if drinking continues.

Alcohol can also contribute to:

• High blood pressure.
• Heart failure.
• Stroke.
• Weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).

Even a single episode of binge drinking may trigger what’s known as “holiday heart syndrome,” a temporary arrhythmia that occurs in otherwise healthy individuals after heavy alcohol consumption.

How Much Alcohol is Safe to Drink?

Guidelines from health experts recommend:

• No more than two drinks per day for men.
• No more than one drink per day for women.

Having an occasional drink within these limits may not significantly impact your heart health. However, regularly exceeding these guidelines, especially in short bursts, can lead to long-term harm.

It’s important to remember that “safe” doesn’t always mean harmless. Even if you don’t drink every day or identify as having a substance use disorder, alcohol can still interfere with your physical and mental health. Understanding the 4 Alcohol Addiction Risk Factors can provide insight into your risk and help promote healthier drinking habits.

Is It Possible to Drink Heavily Without Having a Problem?

Drinking above recommended limits doesn’t always indicate addiction, but it can be a warning sign.

If you find it difficult to stop once you start, drink to cope with stress, or notice adverse effects on your sleep, relationships, or health, you may benefit from professional support.

Once alcohol begins to interfere with your ability to function, or you find yourself drinking more than you intended, it may be time to explore treatment options.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Heart?

While occasional drinking may not be cause for concern, repeated episodes of heavy alcohol use can have long-term consequences, including:

• Chronic high blood pressure.
• Increased risk of stroke.
• Permanent heart muscle damage.
• Greater likelihood of heart disease later in life.

Your risk increases with both the amount and frequency of your drinking. Combined with other lifestyle factors like poor sleep, stress, or stimulant use, alcohol’s impact can be even more pronounced.

Find Healing Beyond Alcohol at The Raleigh House

At The Raleigh House, we understand that alcohol misuse affects far more than your physical health; it can disrupt your sense of control, connection, and purpose.

That’s why our whole-person approach to recovery focuses on:

• Physical and psychological healing.
• Rebuilding emotional resilience.
• Supporting your long-term heart and mental health.

Whether you’re just starting to question your drinking or you’re ready for change, we’re here to meet you with compassion, expertise, and a proven path to recovery.

You can begin your healing journey at either of our two Colorado locations:

• The Ranch at The Raleigh House: A peaceful, nature-inspired retreat outside Denver, ideal for those seeking to reset in a nurturing environment.
• The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: A modern, accessible facility in the Denver Tech Center offering expert care and evidence-based treatment in an urban setting.