Alcohol Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggest that regular alcohol consumption may help keep the heart healthy and help you live longer. The study gathered data on alcohol consumption, incidence of death, and incidence of cardiac events from nearly 2500 patients who were free of coronary artery disease or heart failure at the start of the study. A follow-up was done at an average of 5.6 years, and it was found that half or the participants never or occasionally drank. The study found a 27 percent lower risk of death and 29 percent lower risk for cardiac events in those who drank 1-7 drinks per week, when compared to those who never drank or those who were occasional drinkers. However, the study found an increased risk of death and cardiac event among heavy drinkers, that is those who drank more than 7 drinks per week. Previous studies have found that alcohol reduces the amount of inflammatory markers suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. It is unclear how light to moderate drinking lowers the risk of cardiac events and extends life, but researches think that alcohol may interact with specific cells or molecules, or certain genetic factors. Even though it may protect the heart, alcohol may can cause damage to many other organs such as the liver, stomach and brain.