“Doctors Reveal Simple Change Tulsa County Residents Can Make for Healthier Hearts | Health

In this article, Dr. Adriana Davis, DO, Family Medicine, shares her expert insights on the findings and offers Oklahoma residents evidence-based recommendations to protect their health.

Why it’s important to you: Research shows that even modest reductions in alcohol consumption could have substantial heart health benefits for heavy drinkers living in communities like Tulsa County and Oklahoma.

What does this mean for your health?: If you are a heavy drinker, reducing your alcohol consumption, even by a moderate amount, can significantly reduce your risk of a major cardiovascular event. The study found that people who cut back on alcohol had the biggest reductions in their risk of two specific heart problems: chest pain that requires medical treatment (called angina) and strokes caused by blood clots (known as the name of ischemic stroke).

Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans, aged 12 and over, do you have an alcohol use disorder? (NIH)

Physician expert perspectives on the benefits of reducing alcohol consumption and improving heart health in Tulsa County, Oklahoma

“This research provides crucial evidence that reducing alcohol consumption can directly improve cardiovascular health, particularly for people who drink excessive amounts,” said Dr. Puja Uppal, a family medicine physician. “It is critical that Tulsa County residents reduce the amount of alcohol they consume – because the benefits that come from doing so are tremendous!”

“So the ultimate goal should be to reduce as much as possible,” advises Dr. Adriana Davis, a family medicine physician.

Dr. Davis advises heavy drinkers to gradually reduce their alcohol consumption to protect their heart health, emphasizing that even small, sustainable changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk factors over time. “Research shows that no amount of alcohol is actually good for your body.

However, Dr. Davis also points out that communities like Tulsa County need better access to comprehensive alcohol treatment programs that combine medical care, behavioral counseling and social support. “Helping heavy drinkers safely reduce or quit drinking requires a multifaceted approach and support from family, friends and health professionals,” she noted.

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Local impact: For Wayne County resident Robles Merlo, 55, the study offers both a warning and an encouragement. “I’ve been a heavy drinker for years, but recently I started having chest pains that were really scaring the crap out of me,” he said. “Knowing that I can improve my heart health and potentially avoid a serious problem by drinking less is really motivating. It won’t be easy, but I am committed to making a change for myself and my family.”

Key Drivers:

The heavy drinking group experienced a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events than the low drinking group (817 vs. 675 per 100,000 person-years).

Light drinking was associated with a 23% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with sustained heavy drinking.

Next steps: You should know that decreasing alcohol consumption also decreases other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even diabetes! As Dr. Davis pointed out, “The study makes it clear that when it comes to heavy drinking and heart health, cutting back is key.”

Resource: Please start the conversation with your healthcare team about how to improve your heart health.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Provides information about treatment options, tips for reducing or quitting, and resources for finding help. Visit the resource here

Take away: For heavy drinkers in Tulsa County, cutting back on alcohol, even in moderation, can be a key step toward a healthier heart and longer life.

Read more: Quercetin in red wine is linked to headaches.

Read the Study at JAMA Network Open. (Click here)

The Health Standard Newswire.