Does Alcohol Have Cardiac Benefit? Evidence Of Decreased Risk For Heart Attack
Can a glass of wine or other forms of alcohol help the heart? Some studies show that the occasional drink may decrease heart attack risk.
A Hearty Drink
A cattered lcohol is often part of adult social gatherings and other events. While alcohol is considered a mildly psychoactive substance, over 60% of Americans are drinkers. There is countless information available about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption on the body and mind. Almost 100,000 alcohol-related deaths, including chronic conditions, happen yearly. However, there are arguments that, in certain situations, alcohol may provide some benefits to the heart. Can moderate alcohol reduce the risk of having a heart attack and other disease markers?
Can moderate alcohol use help your heart?
Moderate alcohol consumption means 1-2 drinks per day. Such amounts may have beneficial effects on heart health. A reason is that some alcoholic drinks, like red wine, contain antioxidants. These may reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Moderate alcohol consumption may increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream helps prevent the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries that contribute to the development of heart disease.
Are there harmful effects?
Excessive alcohol consumption can seriously harm other areas of the body. Heavy drinking is known to cause damage to the liver, digestive system, brain, and heart. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing heart disease and other alcohol-related diseases. In addition, chronic alcohol use can lead to high blood pressure and obesity, increasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Consuming more than 2-3 alcoholic drinks daily presents a greater risk than non-drinkers.
The risks outweigh the benefits
Moderate alcohol consumption may benefit your heart by improving cholesterol levels and reducing free radicals. However, most healthcare providers do not recommend promoting moderate alcohol consumption as a way of preventing heart disease since this may still lead to harm in the long run. Some people may reduce the risk of developing heart disease. However, this benefit is largely offset by other harmful health effects when used in excess. These include the increased risk of accidents, liver disease, and stroke. As a result, the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption pale in comparison to the health risks posed by alcohol abuse.
What should you do instead?
Alcohol use sounds like an easy way to improve heart health and reduce heart attacks. Yet, there are many other ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease for heart health. For example, a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, can go a long way. As simple as daily walking can reduce the chances of cardiovascular disease by at least 30%. Some helpful supplements, like omega-3s and CoQ10, have heart-healthy effects. More importantly, see a cardiologist or healthcare professional if there are any risks of heart attacks.