There are always new reasons and dangers as to why college students should not intake excess amounts of alcohol. Binge drinking is an issue prevalent among students at universities across the nation, and its damaging effects are quite intuitive. But now a new study will definitely make you think twice before taking that extra shot: A team at Japan’s University Tsukuba Institute of Clinical Medicine found that heavy drinkers were 51 percent more likely to suffer from Atrial Fibrillato (AF) than people who do not drink or drink very little. You are probably thinking to yourself “Artial fib-what??” So here are the basics about AF and what you can do to decrease your risk of developing it.
AF is abnormal heart rate (no, I am not talking about your heart racing when you see that cute guy). This condition is mostly due to rapid heartbeat, which means that the heart cannot provide enough blood flow and oxygen for the rest of the body.
AF can be permanent or temporary. If it becomes permanent then the patient’s risk of heart failure increases and you could also develop blood clots that can cause a stroke. Other risks include palpitations, fainting, or chest pain.
Yikes! But what about the claim that drinking everyday is good for heart? It’s a common belief that a glass of wine a day keeps coronary heart disease away.
According to Dr. Hirohito Sone, a researcher from Japan’s University Tsukuba Institute of Clinical Medicine, light drinkers can continue this habit. Many students abuse this mantra and engage in binge drinking several times a week (which far surpasses the recommended serving of one glass per day). However, if your doctor diagnoses you with AF, then it is not a good idea to have a drink or two each day. Common sense, right?
The chance of getting AF is another reason why college students should lay off the heavy drinking. As young collegiettestm who are going to do great things in the future, it’s important to preserve your health now so that you can remain problem-free down the road. So the next time you reach for that extra drink at the end of the night, think twice and grab a glass of water or another non-alcoholic beverage. Keep your heart healthy because you only get one, and in the end, your heart will thank you for it.
Sources
http://www.medbioworld.com/news.php?topic=1&article=20110119elin002.xml
http://mydisfunkshion.onsugar.com/Heavy-Drinking-May-Hazardous-Heart-Rhy…