What is a significant health effect linked to excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use?

Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use are both significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, and it also affects the levels of fats in the blood, which can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. Tobacco use is known to damage blood vessels and reduce oxygen in the blood, leading to enhanced arterial hardening and increased chances of heart attacks or strokes. The interplay between these substances exacerbates cardiovascular health issues, making the connection to heart disease particularly strong.

The other options, while they may relate to health effects, do not specifically address the direct and significant risks associated with the combination of alcohol and tobacco on heart disease in particular.