Heart disease risk factors -Alcohol

Alcohol can be your friend or your foe when it comes to reducing your chances of developing heart disease. It depends on how much alcohol you drink, your drinking pattern and your age.

People who regularly drink small amounts of alcohol tend to live longer than people who don't drink at all. A small amount of alcohol gives protection against heart disease, at least in middle-aged men (over 40) and in women who have gone through the menopause.

In France, the incidence of heart disease is remarkably low despite a diet high in saturated fat and this so-called 'French Paradox' has been linked to the large amounts of red wine consumed at meal times. Red wine contains anti-oxidants, which are good for the heart, but there is no clear evidence that any one type of drink gives more protection than any others. So if you prefer beer or spirits, you can still get the benefits.

However, alcohol is a toxin and drinking too much on a regular basis can damage your health.

The good news is that you can still enjoy a drink so long as you make sensible choices and drink in moderation. Health professionals advise you to keep within the following sensible limits.

The protective effects of light drinking are possibly due to:

An increase in the level of HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol).
A decrease in the tendency of the blood to become 'sticky' and form clots.

The dangerous effects of excessive drinking are:

An increase in your blood pressure.
Consequently, an increase in your risk of heart disease and stroke.
An increase in your risk of liver damage and certain cancers.
A direct effect on your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
An increase in the risk of accidents and violent deaths.
Psychological and social problems.

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