The
effect of alcohol on health and heart disease is complex. For some people, even
mild alcohol use carries major risks. For others, moderate alcohol use may
offer a degree of protection.
Is
Moderate Drinking Good for the Heart?
Moderate
alcohol consumption seems to offer protection against heart disease for some
people.
Moderate
drinking is defined as no more than one drink per day for women or
lighter-weight persons and no more than two drinks per day for men. One drink
is equal to the following: 12 ounces of beer or wine cooler, 5 ounces of wine,
or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.
Specific
suspected heart-related benefits of alcohol include:
Raises
HDL, or "good" cholesterol level.
Lowers
blood pressure.
Inhibits
the formation of blood clots (this can be good or bad. It may prevent heart
attacks but could increase the risk of bleeding).
Helps
prevent artery damage caused by high LDL, or "bad " cholesterol.
But,
until we know more about the pros and cons of alcohol consumption, doctors do
not recommend drinking alcohol specifically for better heart health.
Can
Drinking Alcohol Be Harmful?
Drinking
alcohol can be harmful for some people. Those who have heart failure,
cardiomyopathy (abnormal heart muscle function), high blood pressure, diabetes,
arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), a history of stroke, obesity, high
triglycerides, or are taking medications, should speak to their doctor before
drinking alcohol. Also, pregnant women and those with a history of alcoholism
should not drink alcohol.
The
American Heart Association cautions people to not start drinking if they do not
already drink alcohol. Many of the benefits listed above can be achieved
through diet and exercise. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of
drinking alcohol.
