Author: Alex Thompson
Does Alcohol Thin Your Blood? Short- and Long-Term Effects
They also highlighted that long-term heavy drinking and binge drinking may increase someone’s risk of various cardiovascular conditions. If you take blood thinners and wish to consume alcohol, speak to your healthcare provider first. They will consider the state of your health and the medications you take.
Long-term, excessive drinking can decrease your heart’s ability to function correctly. When it comes to the health of your blood vessels, have a conversation with your doctor. They can help develop personalized treatment plans, which may include detoxification, therapy, counseling, and support to overcome alcohol addiction.
- Even minor injuries or cuts may result in prolonged bleeding, potentially leading to more serious complications.
- A person should also speak with a doctor or access online support if they have concerns that they or someone they know may have AUD.
- Our tailored treatment levels and top-notch professionals guide you through evidence-based therapies.
- Dr. Harb moved to New York City, choosing a career path in academic medicine as an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
This is due to the effect of alcohol on the coagulation process, which essentially makes the blood less sticky. Blood thinners such as warfarin, rivaroxaban, or apixaban are frequently prescribed to reduce the risk of conditions such as stroke or heart attack. When alcohol is added to the mix, the anticoagulant effects are heightened, potentially leading to excessive bleeding. It is critical to strike a balance that reduces risks while also promoting overall well-being.
The lowest risk of CAD deaths was found in people consuming approximately one to two alcoholic equivalents. A more neutral effect was found with stroke deaths and non-fatal strokes. Healthcare professionals treat AUD with medications and behavioral therapies. They may also recommend joining a support group for individuals with AUD. Another study found that, compared to non-drinkers, people who drank more than 3 ounces of liquor per week had a 53% higher risk of DVT.
What to know about blood thinners and alcohol
The heart benefits and reduction of the rate of coronary heart disease (CHD) from alcohol are thought to impact men who are over 40 and women who are post-menopausal most often. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) publishes that while post-menopausal women who drank alcohol did seem to have a lower rate of CHD, they also had a higher rate of breast cancer. Alcohol is a legal psychoactive substance that can be enjoyed responsibly by adults who are of the legal drinking age of 21 or older. If you’ve received a diagnosis of DVT and are taking blood-thinning medication, you may need to limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day. Always follow your doctor and pharmacist’s guidelines for alcohol and medication use.
As females retain more alcohol in the bloodstream than males, they are at higher risk of developing problems from combining alcohol with medications. Dr. Harb Harb is a non-invasive cardiologist working within the Northwell Health System in New York, specifically at the North Shore University Hospital, affiliated with Hofstra University. Dr. Harb moved to New York City, choosing a career path in academic medicine as an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. There, he teaches and works with cardiovascular and medical trainees as well as medical students. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) and American board-certified in general cardiology, echocardiography, and stress-testing, and nuclear cardiology.
People can speak to their doctor if they think they or someone they know may have AUD. Additionally, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers guidance on finding treatment and support for AUD. Experts define binge drinking as consuming in excess of four drinks for females or five drinks for males within around 2 hours. Keep reading to learn more about this blood-thinning effect, how alcohol interacts with blood-thinning medications, and more. People who said they drink a lot of liquor also tended to binge drink, which counteracts any helpful effects you might get from alcohol in moderation.
Over time, the elevated calorie intake related to alcohol consumption can lead to obesity, a higher risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart failure. Binge and heavy drinking may cause a stroke or sudden cardiac death as well. Alcohol can reduce some of the “stickiness” of red blood cells, which can lower the odds of blood clotting. Blood clots in thickened arteries or veins are often what contributes to heart attacks and strokes. By reducing the likelihood that these blood cells will stick together and form a clot, alcohol may then “thin” the blood and help to prevent cardiac complications. Acting as a blood thinner, alcohol can then also lower the risk for a stroke, which is when there is a reduced flow of blood to the brain due to blocked or narrowed arteries.
Seeking Professional Help for Alcohol Addiction
However, excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with this process. Understanding the impact of alcohol on blood thinning is a matter that should be taken seriously. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance based on individual circumstances. Alcohol consumption has been a subject of interest when it comes to its impact on blood thinning and circulation.
Doctors recommend that people taking warfarin or drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid limit their intake of alcohol. Occasional, moderate alcohol use should be safe for most people who are taking blood thinners. One of the oldest blood thinners still in widespread use is warfarin (Coumadin). Of all the blood thinners available today, warfarin is most strongly affected by excessive alcohol consumption. However, moderate consumption doesn’t significantly affect the metabolism of warfarin. Yet because of this effect, drinking alcohol could potentially increase your risk for the bleeding type of strokes — especially when you drink it in large quantities.
Research suggests drinking alcohol may thin the blood by affecting platelets, which are the parts of blood that initiate coagulation, or clotting. When it comes to alcohol consumption and its impact on blood thinning, there are both potential benefits and risks involved. Understanding these aspects is crucial for individuals who want to make informed choices regarding their alcohol intake.
Long-Term Cardiovascular Health Concerns of Alcohol
There isn’t enough research available to determine whether the effect of alcohol on blood thinning varies significantly based on age or sex. However, as mentioned earlier, factors like age and overall health can affect how much alcohol is considered safe for an individual to consume. People vary in their response to alcohol due to factors such as genetics, body weight, metabolism, and overall health. Some individuals may experience more pronounced effects on blood thinning after consuming alcohol, while others may have a minimal response. It is important to recognize that what may be true for one person may not apply to another. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets aggregate and form a clot to stop bleeding.
What foods are good to eat when you are on blood thinners?
Drinking alcohol can sometimes be a touchy issue between patients and doctors. But it’s a topic you should talk about with yours when you have deep vein thrombosis. From recognizing triggers to building support, regain control and embrace a healthier relationship with food.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, moderate drinking is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Although alcohol thins the blood, long-term use can have a different effect.