Drink alcohol in moderation
Drinking large amounts of alcohol increases your risk of stroke. It contributes to risk factors such as:
- Blood pressure, by raising it to consistently high levels.
- Type 2 diabetes, by changing the way your body responds to insulin.
- Extra kilojoules in your diet, increasing energy intake and fat storage, making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
- Atrial fibrillation caused by excessive amounts of alcohol.
Control your risk
You can reduce your risk of strokes by limiting your alcohol consumption.
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines recommended no more than two standard alcoholic drinks per day.
If you've had a stroke, your doctor may recommend you limit all alcohol consumption in the following months.
Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful for people who've had a stroke or TIA if they are on blood-thinning medication. Additionally, alcohol may intensify symptoms of a stroke, such as poor balance, mood swings, depression or speech problems.
Tips
Do you know your alcohol limit?
- Think before you drink – Drinking large amounts of alcohol increases your risk of stroke through increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).
- Two or less – Drink no more than two standard alcoholic drinks on any day to reduce harm from alcohol-related disease or injury.
- Check the label on cans and bottles – See how many standard drinks you are actually consuming.
More information
See our fact sheet on Alcohol after stroke.