Alcohol and heart disease
Studies have shown that low to moderate alcohol consumption (up to 2 drinks per day for men, 1 drink per day for women) may decrease the risk of coronary artery disease.1
Equivalents of 1 alcoholic drink Beer
355 mL (12 fl oz)
Wine
148 mL (5 fl oz)
Hard alcohol
44 mL (1.5 fl oz)
Moderate wine drinking (1 to 2 glasses per day) may decrease the risk of complications after a heart attack. In a recent randomized, controlled study of middle-aged male survivors of heart attack, moderate wine drinking was associated with a significant reduction over a 4-year period in the risk of complications.2
Alcohol appears to have an antioxidant protective effect on the arteries. Alcohol also may increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or "good") cholesterol and may have a slight blood-thinning effect.1
Although these studies show that wine may be beneficial, the American Heart Association (AHA) states that the link between wine and reduced coronary artery disease has not been proven. Without a large-scale trial that focuses specifically on wine intake and its association with heart disease risk, the AHA urges individuals to talk to their doctors about the benefits and risks of drinking alcoholic beverages.3
Drinking too much alcohol can be dangerous and can cause problems. Having more than 1 alcoholic drink daily for women or more than 2 drinks daily for men may:
- Contribute to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
- Directly damage heart muscle (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), which may weaken the heart, leading to heart failure.
- Cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Slightly increase the risk of breast cancer in women.
- Interact with your medicines if you are being treated for heart disease (or other diseases or conditions).
- Increase your risk of liver disease.
People who have liver problems, heart failure, high blood pressure, certain blood disorders, or problems with alcohol abuse should not drink any alcohol.
Given the risks related to alcohol consumption, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada does not recommend that people drink alcohol to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.4 Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of consuming alcohol in moderation.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: September 21, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition | |
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