Alcohol: Good For The Heart?

A new review of past research on alcohol consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease concludes that light to moderate daily alcohol consumption might reduce risk of heart disease by %14 to %25.  The analyses was led by Paul Ronksley at the University of Calgary.

Association of alcohol consumption with selected cardiovascular disease outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis -- Ronksley et al. 342 -- bmj.com

Of course, this news get's big headlines all around the world.

Let's look at some other recent research on alcohol that did not get big headlines..

Light to moderate drinking increases risk of esophageal cancer

Alcohol drinking and esophageal squamous cell carc... [Int J Cancer. 2010] - PubMed result

ScienceDaily (Nov. 11, 2010) — Alcohol can do much more harm to the body than just damaging the liver. Drinking also can weaken the immune system, slow healing, impair bone formation, increase the risk of HIV transmission and hinder recovery from burns, trauma, bleeding and surgery.  


Sleep quality negatively affected by alcohol intoxication; contrary to popular belief, booze does not help you sleep better.


Sleep Following Alcohol Intoxication in Healthy, Y... [Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2011] - PubMed result

If you have high blood pressure, binge drinking can increase risk of cardiovascular disease by 12X.

Alcohol Consumption, Blood Pressure, and the Risk ... [Curr Hypertens Rep. 2011] - PubMed result

Some peoples brains are more permeable to alcohol, increasing risk of alcoholism.

Alcohol Effects on Cerebral Blood Flow in Subjects... [Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2011] - PubMed result

Healthy living is best for reducing risk of breast cancer.  Healthy living includes avoiding alcohol. Healthy living index: "defined as the joined effect of moderate and/or vigorous-intensity physical activity, low consumption of fat, processed foods, refined cereals, complex sugars, and the avoidance of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption"


Healthy lifestyle on the risk of breast cancer. [Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2011] - PubMed result

Alcohol consumption increases risk of brain tumours

Alcohol consumption and risk of glioblastoma; evid... [Int J Cancer. 2011] - PubMed result

Alcohol abuse shortens telomere length

 Shortened telomeres in individuals with abuse in a... [Int J Cancer. 2011] - PubMed result

We see lot's of press for possible positive effects of boozing because drinking is a coveted social pastime.

The facts are, compared to healthy living: good sleep, regular exercise, and good nutrition, daily consumption of alcohol has no benefit, but is fraught with health risks.