Chronic alcohol use can affect the cardiovascular system. What are two common complications?

• A. It can contribute to hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy; with arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation; complications include heart failure and stroke risk
• B. It improves cardiovascular endurance; reduces cholesterol; lowers blood pressure
• C. It causes immediate heart attack in all users; always fatal
• D. It has no effect on the heart; only liver affected

Answer: (A)

Chronic heavy alcohol use can harm the heart in several well-supported ways. It often raises blood pressure, contributing to hypertension. It can also weaken and stretch the heart muscle, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy, where the ventricle enlarges and pumps less effectively. In addition, alcohol can trigger heart rhythm problems, especially atrial fibrillation, which raises the risk of stroke. Put together, these effects explain why hypertension and dilated cardiomyopathy are common cardiovascular complications, with arrhythmias and heart failure as related outcomes and increased stroke risk.

The other statements don’t fit because alcohol does not improve cardiovascular health or universally cause immediate heart attacks in all users, and it certainly can affect the heart, not just the liver.