There’s been a lot of buzz in recent years about red wine being good for the heart, but when it comes to heart disease and alcohol, there are dangers you should know and prescribed limits you should take seriously.
Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dangerous heart-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, and a variety of heart conditions like cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia, and even sudden cardiac death.
For those reasons, the
American Heart Association cautions heart patients to drink alcohol only in moderation, with no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. In fact, studies have confirmed that those who drink alcohol in moderation have lower incidents of heart disease than nondrinkers.
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WebMD affirms the American Heart Association guidelines and concerns about excessive alcohol consumption but offers additional insight into how moderate drinking may help your heart.
Studies have shown one or two drinks a day can raise HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, prevent blood clots, and prevent damage caused by "bad" cholesterol, or LDL. But WebMD says doctors aren’t sure if the positive results are directly tied to alcohol consumption or have more to do with the fact that people who are able to consume alcohol in moderation are also the beneficiaries of overall healthy lifestyle choices relating to diet and exercise.
Bottom line, heart disease or not, if you haven’t been a drinker, don’t start now. Experts say any positive health implications of drinking are overshadowed by the risks alcohol consumption presents, including liver problems, ulcers, and mental health issues.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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