Cardiologist compares harms of binge vs daily drinking

Cardiologist Dr Sanjat Chiwane says the amount and speed of alcohol intake matter more than whether drinking is daily or weekend-only.

Weekend binge drinking strains the heart suddenly, raising blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and triggering arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation known as holiday heart syndrome.

Daily alcohol consumption can chronically raise blood pressure, lead to weight gain, raise cholesterol and triglycerides, and weaken heart muscle over time.

Both drinking patterns increase long-term risk of heart failure, stroke, and coronary artery disease.

Dr Sanjat advises extra caution for those with family history of cardiac problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or existing heart disease.