Perils of having one too many

New Delhi, Oct. 1: In the past three decades, there has been a 300 percent increase in the incidence of coronary artery disease ( CAD) among Indians.

About two- to- six percent of those affected live in rural India and four- totwelve percent in urban India. Among other things, lifestyle factors such as increased consumption of alcohol can exacerbate the risk of acquiring CAD, especially those with a family history of the condition.

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This leads to one or more of these arteries to become partially or completely blocked, thereby reducing the blood flow. Uncontrolled CAD can lead to a heart attack over time.

Speaking about this, Dr. Manoj Kumar of Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, said, “Alcohol overconsumption can put your heart at risk. Excess alcohol can directly damage the heart muscle and cause arrythmia ( irregular beating of the heart). It is also a contributing factor for weight gain, high triglycerides and blood pressure, and strokes. It is imperative to avoid binge drinking and keep one or more alcoholfree days every week. The symptoms of CAD may begin to show up only after a long time and by then, there could already be a significant blockage in your heart.”

Some symptoms of CAD to watch out for include angina or chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. — ANI