The Psychosomatic Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is estimated to be the leading cause of death worldwide (approximately one-third of all deaths). In 2024, the American Heart Association reported that approximately 128 million Americans over the age of 20 were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and high blood pressure. Also, in 2020, Eurostat reported that the main cause of death was represented by cardiovascular diseases representing almost a third of all deaths. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, myocarditis, decreased cardiac contractility, arrhythmias, thrombotic events, hypoxic acute respiratory failure, and stroke. The impact of alcohol on the cardiovascular system is dependent on the amount of alcohol consumed, thus, as alcohol consumption is constant, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases, especially acute myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular emergencies, especially acute myocardial infarction and stroke, can significantly affect both the physical and mental health of patients. However, the psychological impact of these conditions is often neglected, even though studies show that they can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).