Prolonged alcohol use can have a wide range of effects on the human body. Some of these can be noticed immediately, while others can take time to present themselves but become much more serious. One such issue that can take some time to develop is alcohol-induced heart murmurs and palpitations — otherwise known as alcohol-induced AFib.
When dealing with matters of your heart and its continued function, you’ll want to know and understand the ramifications of alcohol-induced AFib. How does it affect my body now and in the future? Is there anything I can do to reverse its long-term effects?
Alcohol’s Effect on Heart Disease
One of the leading causes of death in the United States is heart disease and all of its forms. A combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and more can dramatically impact your likelihood of developing such a condition. Disordered alcohol consumption remains one of the most common contributing factors to a higher risk of diseases like alcohol-induced AFib.
Chronic and binge drinking can have long-term effects on your cardiovascular system and lead to an early grave. However, finding an alcohol addiction treatment center can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to help improve your heart health before it’s too late.
Irregular Heartbeats and Alcohol Abuse
Our cardiovascular system is a complex entity that keeps us moving throughout our lifetime. The more complex the system, the more likely irregularities can develop — especially for heavy alcohol drinkers. Arrhythmias can form anywhere throughout your blood vessels, and depending on your consumption; the damage can prove quite severe.
Finding out if the damage to your cardiovascular system is reversible can be a nerve-wracking experience. Every case is different, with various factors coming into play that affect the outcome.
What Are the Chances Alcohol-Induced AFib Can Be Fixed?
Every case should be evaluated individually; no one person is the same, so there isn’t an easy “one size fits all” answer to if the condition is reversible. The disordered consumption could have gone on for too long, creating a situation where the effects have become irreversible. Other factors such as genetics significantly affect the amount of damage your heart has sustained.
However, some cases have shown that some arrhythmias caused by increased alcohol intake can be reversed. Under supervision from your doctor, some specific lifestyle changes can help your return to good working condition.
Cut Alcohol Out of Your Diet
If alcohol was why you developed an arrhythmia, you should significantly reduce your consumption. Quitting alcohol cold turkey has proven incredibly difficult to stick to, so entering a long-term care program can help you stick to your new lifestyle and help you stay sober.
Change Your Diet
What we put into our bodies plays a significant role in our heart’s overall health. For people looking to recover from alcohol-induced AFib, revitalizing their diet can have a wide range of benefits. Incorporating more heart-healthy foods into your routine can help strengthen your heart, increase blood flow, and restore your heart to its previous efficiency.
Prioritize Exercise
Another vital component to strengthening your heart after alcohol-induced AFib revolves around your physical fitness. Slowly incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help improve your heart health, boost blood flow, and potentially lose significant weight that may have contributed to your diminishing heart health.
Choose Steps to Recovery to Help With Your Alcohol Rehab
Taking the necessary measures to make the lifestyle changes you need to improve your heart health can be intimidating on your own. A strong support system can help increase your chances of sticking with your doctor’s recommendations and taking your life back from your addictions. Steps to Recovery provides comprehensive long-care rehab programs in Levittown, PA, to help people learn how to deal with their recovery, make changes for the better, and learn how to take care of themselves and their health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact our team to learn more about our programs and how we can help today.
Sources:
https://harmonyplace.com/blog/can-alcohol-induced-heart-murmurs-and-palpitations-be-reversed/
https://www.okheart.com/about-us/ohh-news/are-there-reversible-causes-of-atrial-fibrillation
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