Dozens of studies show that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may lower the risk of heart attack by 30-50 percent for middle aged adults. Some chemicals found in alcoholic drinks may help raise the HDL ("healthy") cholesterol in our blood and reduce the risk of blood clots. This holds true even when thinking about other factors that may play a role, such as age and tobacco use. Alcohol seems to offer its greatest protection to men older than age 50, especially those who smoke or did smoke.

In some studies, alcohol has been shown to:

• Lower the risk of ischemic stroke (stroke caused by a decreased blood supply to the brain). About 80 percent of strokes are ischemic, caused by a buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits or plaques in your arteries.
• Reduce blockages in the leg arteries. These blockages can cause claudication (a symptom of peripheral vascular disease), which may cause cramping, aching (pain), numbness, fatigue (weakness) or heaviness in the muscles of the legs after walking a certain distance.
• Increase antioxidants in the blood. Antioxidants, found in many fruits and vegetables, can protect the heart and blood vessels from damage. (Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause.)
• Increase the HDL ("healthy") cholesterol. Regular exercise, weight loss, taking fish oil pills or eating fatty fish such as tuna or salmon, and quitting smoking are other helpful ways to raise HDL cholesterol.

Red Wine and Heart Disease

Over the past several decades, many studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may help reduce death due to heart disease. Some studies suggest that the health benefits of wine are greater than beer and liquor because of certain ingredients in wine (especially red wine). However, some of these same ingredients may be found in red grapes or red grape juice. Other studies suggest the same cardiovascular benefits with all three types of alcohol.

Another area of debate is whether the reduced risk of heart disease may be due to other lifestyle factors rather than alcohol. Such factors may include increased exercise and a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

Moderation is the Key

If you do not currently drink alcohol, do not start now. However, if you do drink alcohol, limit how much you drink to no more than:

One to two of the following per day for men and one per day for women:

• A 12 oz. Beer
• 4-5 oz. of wine
• 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits
• 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits

Drinking too much alcohol can:

• Cause arteries to relax and may damage the heart.
• Raise triglyceride levels.
• Cause weight gain.
• Raise blood pressure.
• Increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol may also increase the risk of alcoholism, certain cancers, liver disease, accidents, suicides and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Many medications should not be taken with alcohol. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions.

Don't feel pressured to drink and don't drink every day. Some tips to limit your alcohol consumption:

• Have one drink at mealtime.
• Replace with fruit juice or mineral water during the time you have your usual alcoholic beverage.
• Plan ahead if you are going to an event where alcohol will be served for many hours. Decide ahead of time if you will drink at all or decide when you will have that one "offered drink." Remember, it is OK to turn down an "offered drink."
• Avoid situations that trigger unplanned drinking, such as long evenings in bars, and extended sports parties.
• Talk with your physician if you feel you may need help in controlling or eliminating your drinking.

Don't drink alcohol at all if you have:

• High blood pressure
• High blood triglycerides
• Liver disease
• Ulcers
• Severe acid reflux
• Sleep apnea

Please Note: Meriter Hospital's NewStart treatment program offers services for alcoholic/ chemically dependent patients and their family members ranging from inpatient care to one-day workshops. Private sessions with counselors are available to assess your situation and make appropriate referrals. Visit the NewStart section of this site or call (608) 417-3457 for more information.

6/23/2008