Drinking too much alcohol can have a devastating effect on your heart (cardiovascular) health and can cause high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm). This increases your risk of heart failure, heart attack and stroke.

Drinking alcohol is also strongly linked to liver problems and some cancers. Meanwhile, because alcohol contains a lot of calories, drinking a lot can lead to weight gain or even obesity, which are also bad for your heart health.

How much can I drink?

If you drink alcohol, it’s important to keep within the guidelines:

• Men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week.
• You should have several alcohol-free days each week.

What is binge drinking?

Binge drinking is defined as drinking alcohol in a short space of time or drinking to get drunk:

• For men this equates to drinking more than eight units in one sitting.
• For women it means drinking more than six units in one sitting.

If you do drink as much as 14 units per week, spread this our evenly over three days or more and do not binge drink as this can cause additional damage to your body. If you drink too much, avoid alcohol for 48 hours to allow your body time to recover.

Tips for reducing your alcohol intake

• Know your limits - how many units are in your favourite drinks?
• Check out the alcohol content ABV%
• Have something to eat before you start drinking.
• Alternate each alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink.
• Avoid drinking in rounds or having a kitty - it may lead to drinking more than you intended.
• Keep track of your drinks and don’t let anyone top up your drink until it’s finished.

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