Scientific research often produces controversial results and this causes confusion. Such debatable data are recorded regarding the effect of alcohol consumption on the heart.

A relatively clear orientation is given by a recent review article. According to the author:

Habitual light to moderate consumption of alcohol is beneficial to the heart

1. The recommended dosage is 1 drink per day for women and 1-2 drinks per day for men
2. The preferred drink is red wine due to its anti-oxidant effect
3. The suggested time of drinking is during dinner, since this has recorded the strongest reduction in cardiovascular events

However, caution is required in the following circumstances:

1. Males aged 15-59 are the most susceptible in excessive consumption of alcohol, which is strongly interrelated with a negative effect (violent behavior, accidents, arterial hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular events)
2. Health care professionals should not recommend alcohol to non-drinkers because of the potential for drinking problem, even among individuals at apparently low risk.
3. Unfortunately consumption is strongly correlated with smoking, which should be strongly discouraged.

The findings of this study were based on a systematic literature search (1997-2012).

 

Source:

Alcohol and cardiovascular health: the dose makes the poison…or the remedy.

Mayo Clin Proc.2014 Mar;89:382-393

O’Keefe JH