(COLORADO SPRINGS) — February is heart prevention month and one of the major causes of declining heart health is alcohol and drug use.

Dr. Jeremy Dubin with Porch Light Health said, “Untreated substance use disorders, including alcohol, are one of the major factors that contribute to overall heart disease in the United States.”

Heart disease is the number one killer in America and excessive drinking can cause immediate health conditions.

“Short-term use, such as binge drinking,” Dr. Dubin explains, “When folks drink a lot on the weekends or something like that, can actually cause direct toxic effects, what’s called holiday heart syndrome. It can tend to put people up in the hospital; it can even lead to cardiac arrest.”

Over time, Dr. Dubin said it will have a more impactful toll on your heart.

Dr. Dubin also explains, “Moderate to excessive drinking or problem use of alcohol can lead to many different medical conditions that have to do with the cardiovascular system and the heart; this includes high blood pressure… and that puts strain on not only the heart but the blood vessels, too.”

Porch Light Health services provides resources for those struggling with substance abuse.

Those who need it can get treatment within one to two days.