Heart, Blood, and Immune System
Chronic, heavy alcohol use increases the risk of heart disease. In addition, alcohol has anesthetic effects that may mask the pain that signals heart problems. Alcohol use can also worsen high blood pressure and diabetes, two risk factors for heart disease. High blood pressure that does not respond to medication may indicate an alcohol problem. Other effects of alcohol use include an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy), irregular or rapid heartbeat, coronary artery disease, and angina and increased risk of heart attack.
Alcohol also has numerous adverse effects on the various types of blood cells and their functions. For example, heavy alcohol consumption can suppress blood cell production and cause the production of structurally abnormal blood cells. Alcoholics frequently have defective red blood cells that are destroyed prematurely, possibly resulting in anemia. In addition, alcohol adversely affects the platelets and other components of the blood-clotting system. Heavy alcohol consumption thus may increase the drinker's risk of suffering a stroke.
Alcohol also impairs the immune system. Alcohol interferes with the production and function of white blood cells, especially those that defend the body against invading bacteria. Consequently, alcoholics frequently suffer from bacterial infections and related diseases, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Alcohol also inhibits the functions of the cells that ingest and destroy invading microorganisms. Both acute and chronic alcohol exposure also alter the production of signaling molecules that help coordinate the immune response.
Alcohol also adversely affects the functions of the cells that mediate the immune response against specific microorganisms and provide long-term immunity. Alcoholics may be more susceptible to HIV infection. Finally, alcohol intoxication can worsen the immune suppression that occurs after traumatic injuries.