In the article, Dr. Adriana Davis, DO, Family Medicinewill share expert perspective on the findings and provide Arizona residents with evidence-based recommendations to protect their health.
Why this matters to you: Research shows For heavy drinkers in areas like Yuma County and across Arizona, even a small reduction in alcohol intake could have big benefits to their heart health.
What this means for your healthFor heavy drinkers, cutting down on even moderate amounts of alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious cardiovascular disease. The study found that people who cut down on their drinking had the greatest reduction in risk of two specific heart problems: chest pain requiring medical attention (angina) and stroke caused by blood clots (ischemic stroke).
Did you know that One in ten Americans Age 12 and upDo you have an alcohol use disorder?NIH (National Institutes of Health))
Doctor's expert opinion Benefits of reducing alcohol intake to improve heart health in Yuma County, Arizona
“This study provides important evidence that reducing alcohol intake can directly improve cardiovascular health, especially in people who consume too much alcohol.” says Dr Pooja Uppal.“It's so important that Yuma County residents cut down on their alcohol consumption because the benefits are enormous!” said the family medicine physician.
“So your ultimate goal should be to cut back as much as possible,” advises family medicine physician Adriana Davis, MD.
Dr. Davis advises He encouraged heavy drinkers to gradually reduce their alcohol intake to protect their heart health, stressing that even small, sustained changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk factors over time. Alcohol is not good for you no matter how much you drink.
But Dr. Davis also stressed that communities like Yuma County need to improve access to comprehensive alcohol treatment programs that combine medical care, behavioral counseling, and social support. “Helping heavy drinkers safely reduce or quit drinking completely requires a multifaceted approach and support from family, friends, and health professionals,” she noted.
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Regional impact: For Robles Merlo, 55, of Wayne County, the study is both a warning and an encouragement. “I've been a heavy drinker for many years, but recently I started experiencing chest pains that really scared me,” Merlo said. “Knowing that cutting back on alcohol could improve my heart health and potentially prevent more serious problems really motivates me. It won't be easy, but I'm going to make the change for myself and my family.”
Main factors:
Those who continued to drink heavy alcohol had a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with those who reduced their drinking (817 vs. 675 events per 100,000 person-years).
Reducing alcohol intake was associated with a 23% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with continuing heavy drinking.
Next steps: Reducing your alcohol intake other “When it comes to excessive drinking and heart health, the research clearly shows that moderation is key,” Dr. Davis emphasized.
resource: Talk with your health care team about ways to improve your heart health.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Provides information about treatment options, tips for cutting down or quitting smoking, and resources to find help. Resources here
remove: For heavy drinkers in Yuma County, reducing alcohol intake, even in moderation, can be an important step toward a healthier heart and a longer life.
read more: The quercetin in red wine has been linked to headaches.
Read the study At JAMA Network Open. (click here)
Health Standards Newswire.
