Alcohol and Heart Disease
Topic Overview
Low to moderate alcohol use (no more
than 2 drinks a day for men, 1 drink a day for women) might lower the risk of
coronary artery disease.
If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. But if you do not drink alcohol, do not start drinking to try to lower your risk of heart disease. You have many other options that can lower your risk. These options include a healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking. Talk to your doctor about your heart and the benefits and risks of drinking alcohol.
Equivalents of 1 alcohol drink Beer | 12 fl oz (355 mL) |
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Wine | 5 fl oz (148 mL) |
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Hard alcohol | 1.5 fl oz (44 mL) |
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Drinking too much alcohol can be dangerous and can cause problems.
Having more than 1 alcohol drink a day for women or more than 2 drinks a day
for men may:
- Contribute to
high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for
coronary artery disease.
- Directly damage
heart muscle (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), which may weaken the heart, leading to
heart failure.
- Cause abnormal heart
rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Slightly increase the risk
of breast cancer in women.
- Interact with your medicines if you are
being treated for heart disease (or other diseases or conditions).
- Increase your risk of liver disease.
References
Other Works Consulted
- Brien SE, et al. (2011). Effect of alcohol consumption on biological markers associated with risk of coronary heart disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies. BMJ. Published online Feb 22, 2011 (doi: 10.1136/bmj.d636).
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
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| Last Revised | April 5, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
April 5, 2012
