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As with other body systems, excessive alcohol can have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system. Chronic alcohol use can increase the workload of the heart which can lead to arrhythmia's (irregular heart beat), inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), increased cholesterol, and hypertension. Other problems are noted with blood clotting and an increased workload of the heart that is associated with cirrhosis of the liver.

Binge drinkers are not immune from cardiac problems. A syndrome known as "holiday heart" has been found in some that binge drink. This is characterized by a severe, irregular heartbeat, which is known as atrial fibrillation. Holiday heart got its name as it frequently occurs around the holidays, a time when many people overindulge in alcohol consumption.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a known risk factor in cardiovascular problems. Hypertension has been seen in those who tend to abuse alcohol. It is believed that this hypertension may be related to magnesium deficiency or hormonal irregularities.

Hypertension is also a risk factor in cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) which are also known as strokes. Strokes can occur because of impairment of blood flow or by bleeding in the brain through hemorrhaging (bleeding) from a blood vessel.

The Negative Effects of Alcohol on the Heart

Those who regularly drink an excessive amount of alcohol risk damaging their cardiovascular system. It is believed that as much as 2 percent of the cases of coronary heart disease may relate to excessive drinking. These are some of the negative effects of alcohol on the heart:

* Long-term abuse of alcohol can cause [alcoholic cardiomyopathy]. This is where the alcohol has a toxic affect on the heart muscle, causing it to become damaged. In some cases, this damage will lead to heart failure and death.

* Excessive alcohol intake can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), and this puts extra strain on...