Alcohol and heart disease

There has been a lot of scientific and media interest in the possibility that small amounts of alcohol could help to protect the heart against coronary heart disease. However, alcohol consumption has its risks. 

Alcohol abuse is one of the commonest causes of hospital admission in the UK and even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of accidents.

What might the benefits of alcohol be?

Moderate drinking, that is, 1 or 2 units a day, is thought to help protect the heart from coronary heart disease in men over 40 and postmenopausal women. 

Alcohol is also known to help raise the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) or protective cholesterol, although this can also be achieved with physical activity. In reducing the stickiness of the blood, moderate amounts of alcohol may also help to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.

We do not advise that people start drinking specifically to protect the heart, as there are safer options. It is more important to start taking more physical activity, eat a healthy, balanced diet and to stop smoking.          

And the dangers?

Women who persistently drink more than 3 units of alcohol a day and men who drink more than 4, are more likely to suffer from the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure. 

Excessive drinking is known to have a direct effect on the heart. Binge drinking can cause abnormal heart rhythms and regular heavy drinking may lead to enlargement of the heart known as dilated cardiomyopathy. The condition is characterised by an enlarged heart and increasing breathlessness on exertion and may require specialist care and treatment. 

Alcohol also contains calories but little else of nutritional value. If you are trying to lose weight, you should drink moderately.

Which type of alcoholic drink is most beneficial?

There has been much speculation in recent years about which type of alcohol is most beneficial.  It has now been suggested that alcohol in general is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. There is evidence suggesting that red wine in particular may provide protection against coronary heart disease but these findings still need to be corroborated in controlled studies.

There is also some support for the speculation that drinking with meals may be more beneficial.

How many units?

• Men should drink no more than 3 - 4 units of alcohol a day. 
• Women should drink no more than 2 - 3 units of alcohol a day. 

1 unit of alcohol = one small glass of wine, half a pint of normal strength lager, cider or beer or 1 pub measure of spirits.

These guidelines apply whether you drink every day, once or twice a week or occasionally. If you drink too much, avoid alcohol for 48 hours to give your body time to recover.

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