Health practitioner issues alert: Habits thought to be heart-healthy might actually cause heart failure
Article Title: Excessive Protein, Alcohol, and Cannabis Use Pose Risks to Heart Health
In a recent warning, heart transplant cardiologist Dmitry Yaranov has highlighted the risks of excessive protein intake, binge drinking, and excessive cannabis use on heart health.
While some studies suggest that cannabis consumption may have no effect or even a positive impact on heart health, Yaranov points to a growing number of younger patients with heart problems who have no other risk factors except heavy marijuana use. The precise mechanisms and risk magnitude of excessive cannabis use on heart health are less understood compared to alcohol and diet, but cardiovascular effects may include increased heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and possibly inflammation.
Binge drinking, periods of heavy alcohol intake, has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure, likely through mechanisms such as blood pressure elevation, arrhythmias, and heart muscle damage. Well-established evidence outside the search results confirms binge drinking raises cardiovascular risks.
Particularly from high-cholesterol animal sources like red meat and dairy, excessive protein intake can increase risk factors for cardiovascular disease and heart failure in some populations, such as middle-aged men, possibly by promoting inflammation and overworking the kidneys. However, broader and more recent evidence shows no consistent link between total high protein intake and increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular death, especially when protein sources are balanced and include plant-based proteins. The risk appears more connected to the type of protein (saturated fat–rich animal proteins vs. plant proteins) rather than protein amount alone.
Frequent marijuana use is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. On the other hand, sacrificing sleep to complete a workout can increase inflammation in the body, which is directly linked to cardiovascular risk. Consuming far more than the daily recommended amount of protein can overload the kidneys and cause inflammation, increasing the risk of heart disease.
The medical community is still exploring the full effects of cannabis on heart health and what the appropriate guidelines for consumption should be. Yaranov emphasizes the importance of balance in diet and lifestyle for heart health. He recommends heart-healthy protein sources like fish and beans, as well as anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Yaranov advises avoiding binge drinking, as some of the "most severe hearts" he has seen in younger patients are those who drink too much at once, even if they maintain a healthy lifestyle the rest of the week.
In summary, an unbalanced high-protein diet heavy in saturated fat animals products may increase heart failure risk partly via inflammation, while binge drinking and excessive cannabis use similarly elevate cardiovascular disease and heart failure risk through their direct effects on heart function and vascular health. Choosing heart-healthy protein sources, practicing moderate alcohol consumption, and limiting cannabis use are advised for cardiovascular health.
[1] Reference 1 [2] Reference 2 [3] Reference 3 [4] Reference 4 [5] Reference for the 2018 study on high-protein diet and heart failure risk [6] Reference for the study on the effects of cannabis on heart health
- In addition to excessive protein intake and binge drinking, heart transplant cardiologist Dmitry Yaranov has also warned about the risks of excessive cannabis use on heart health.
- Yaranov has noticed an increasing number of younger patients with heart problems who have no other risk factors except heavy marijuana use, highlighting the need for more research on the precise mechanisms and risk magnitude of excessive cannabis use.
- While some studies suggest cannabis consumption may have no effect or even a positive impact on heart health, cardiovascular effects may include increased heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations, and potential inflammation.
- A high-cholesterol diet rich in red meat and dairy can increase the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and heart failure in certain populations, potentially by promoting inflammation and overworking the kidneys.
- However, broader evidence shows no consistent link between total high protein intake and increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular death, especially when protein sources are balanced and include plant-based proteins.
- The medical community is still exploring the full effects of cannabis on heart health and are yet to determine appropriate guidelines for consumption, but heart-healthy protein sources like fish and beans, moderate alcohol consumption, and limiting cannabis use are advised for cardiovascular health.
