Want A Healthier Heart? Seriously Consider Skipping the Drinks

Contrary to previous beliefs, a January 2022 policy brief from the World Heart Federation (WHF) dispels the notion that red wine, even in moderation, is beneficial for heart health. According to Dr. JoAnn Manson, the Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women’s Health at Harvard Medical School, alcohol, including wine, has adverse effects on various forms of heart disease. The risks associated with alcohol consumption include hypertension, heart failure, stroke, cardiomyopathy, aortic aneurysm, and atrial fibrillation. While its role in coronary artery disease is less clear, alcohol is linked to several heart-related risks, debunking the myth that it is good for heart health.

The World Heart Federation’s policy brief, titled “The Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Cardiovascular Health: Myths and Measures,” presents key statistics related to alcohol and health:

• Globally, alcohol use contributed to 2.4 million deaths in 2019, accounting for 4.3% of all deaths.

• Alcohol use is associated with 230 diseases, including a higher risk of breast cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and liver.

• Moderate alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of stroke by about 14% compared to non-drinkers and is also associated with a 15% higher risk of a fatal aortic aneurysm.

• Alcohol use is linked to the narrowing of carotid and coronary arteries, potentially leading to stroke or heart attack.

These findings emphasize the negative impact of alcohol on cardiovascular health, urging a clear understanding that the belief in alcohol, especially red wine, being heart-healthy is a debunked myth.

Changing advice

The change in the perception of alcohol’s impact on heart health is attributed to the identification of procedural flaws in past research. According to Dr. JoAnn Manson, some studies comparing alcohol drinkers with a mixed group of nondrinkers failed to account for variations within the nondrinking group. This group included former drinkers who had quit due to alcohol use disorders, individuals with health issues, or those taking medications that interacted with alcohol. When studies excluded former drinkers and people with underlying health problems, they did not demonstrate the same cardiovascular benefits associated with alcohol.

Moreover, the World Heart Federation (WHF) emphasized that much of the prior research on alcohol and heart health relied on observational studies rather than more reliable randomized controlled trials. When randomized trials were conducted, they did not establish a heart benefit from alcohol consumption. Additionally, potential bias was raised by the fact that some studies showing favorable effects of alcohol were funded by the alcohol industry. These findings highlight the need for more rigorous research methodologies to accurately assess the impact of alcohol on cardiovascular health.

Women at higher risk

Dr. JoAnn Manson points out that although more men than women die from alcohol-related causes, women may be more susceptible to health problems caused by alcohol. This is due to women metabolizing alcohol more slowly than men and generally tolerating only about half as much alcohol before experiencing adverse effects. Alcohol use in women has been linked to an elevated risk of heart-related issues, liver disease, and specific cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, alcohol raises the risk of atrial fibrillation, which poses a greater danger in women, as they are more likely to have a stroke and more likely to have a fatal stroke if they do.

How to cut back on your drinking

The World Heart Federation emphasizes that there is no safe amount of alcohol for heart health. However, if moderation is considered, it is typically defined as no more than one drink per day for women. A standard drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard alcohol. Heavy drinking for women is defined as consuming eight or more drinks per week, while binge drinking involves having more than four drinks in one sitting. If someone wishes to reduce their alcohol intake, tips from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration include setting limits, drinking slowly, avoiding triggers, seeking support from friends, and consulting with a doctor for assistance.

To drink or not to drink?

Given the updated understanding that no type of alcohol is considered beneficial for heart health, it might be prudent to reassess drinking habits. Dr. JoAnn Manson suggests that while not everyone needs to stop drinking urgently, regular drinkers may consider cutting back. If the motivation for drinking is solely based on the belief that it protects the heart, reconsidering this practice is essential. Caution should be exercised with alcohol, especially for those with hypertension, heart disease risk factors, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or a high cancer risk. Dr. Manson dismisses the idea of a “safe” type of alcohol, emphasizing that no form is beneficial for heart or overall health. She highlights that the difference with wine is often its consumption with meals, which may result in slower absorption and more moderate intake.