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Alcohol & Heart



“WHETHER WINE IS NOURISHMENT, MEDICINE OR POISON, IS A MATTER OF DOSE”

PARACELUS – GERMAN PHYSICIAN



Relationship of alcohol to cardiovascular disease is complex. It is known that a alcoholic (addicted to alcohol) or heavy drinkers can shorten his life by 15-20 yrs., because of increased cardiovascular disease. Liver (cirrhosis, hepatitis) disease, neurological problem & accident etc. Where as a moderate drinkers can derive benefits from alcohol.


Q1.        Is it true that those who consume moderate quantity of alcohol – have less heart attack?
Yes. There is a strong evidence from research and clinical trials, that if a healthy man or a person with risk factors for cardiovascular disease consume small to moderate quantity of alcohol can have 20-30% less chances of heart attack and stroke in both men & women.


Q2.         Who is a moderate drinker?
Moderate drinker is a one who consumes 2 small drink of hard liquor
(1 ounce each) like — whisky, Gin, Rum or 5 ounces of wine or ½ a bottle of beer. The dose for women is half than that of men, because of deficiency of a enzyme. Alcohol should be taken slowly, ideally without dilution with food & one should avoid junk food. Benefits of wine are slightly more than that of whisky.

Q3.         How moderate drinking reduces cardiovascular risk?
Moderate drink reduces BP by 3-5 mm Hg, increases HDL cholesterol (Good cholesterol), reduces fibrinogen levels & increase fibrinolysis (reduces clot formation) & it has antioxidant action (Flavanoid present in wine) But if person takes heavy alcohol then it cause increase in BP, cardiomyopathy  (weakness of heart muscles) irregularities of heart beat and sudden cardiac death.

Q4.         Can we recommend alcohol to reduce heart attacks in a patient who is not taking alcohol?

No because alcohol has addicting property & person can became addict & start drinking large quantity of alcohol. But if a person is disciplined and consume only moderate alcohol, he can continue to drink even after heart Attack.

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