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$Title{Alcohol and the Heart:  Good or Bad?}
$Subject{Alcohol Heart disease diseases attack attacks risk risks hazard
hazards danger dangers benefit benefits consume consumption high-density
lipoprotein lipoproteins HDL cholesterol clot clots clotted clotting blood
artery arteries coronary spasm spasms angina beat beats}
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HDL Transports Cholesterol Back to the Liver*0002702.scf
How Cholesterol Levels Affect the Arteries*0002701.scf
The Heart's Blood Supply*0008901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Alcohol and the Heart:  Good or Bad?


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QUESTION:  Can you end a debate that seems to be going on forever amongst my
friends.  Every time we serve cocktails, one "expert" tells me how bad it is
for our health, while another guest holds that alcohol is good for the heart.
That starts the discussion, and the plans for a pleasant evening are put in
jeopardy.  Perhaps some words from you can be used to put this subject to rest
for all time.  I certainly hope so.  Please?!

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ANSWER:  I might suggest that you revise your guest list, but that would be
interpreted as a "cop-out" and so rather than shirk my responsibility, I will
comment on this most controversial subject.  Unfortunately, I don't think that
the answer will help resolve the discussions, for the answer on this subject
is not clear.
     It is true that there has been a great deal written on the relationship
between alcohol use and the associated risk of heart disease.  I can quote the
results of more than a dozen such reports, but the problem is that there is no
consensus in the results.  While many authors do feel that alcohol reduces the
chance of heart attacks, others have found that there is an increased risk,
while at least three groups of researchers find that there is no effect at
all.  However there are some theories that could explain at least some benefit
to moderate consumption of alcohol.  Alcohol can increase the levels of
high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the so-called "good cholesterol" which are
associated with a reduction in the risk of heart attacks.  Alcohol also
affects the clotting mechanism of the blood, which may reduce the possibility
of a clot blocking an artery that brings blood to the heart.
     Working against this is the fact that alcohol can increase the chances of
spasm in the coronary (heart) arteries, which would reduce blood flow, and may
produce either angina or a heart attack.  Alcohol can also increase the
chances of irregular heart beat, and chronic alcoholics often show evidence of
heart disease.
     Without more definitive evidence, it isn't easy to put an end to your
discussions.  An occasional social cocktail or two, drinking in moderation, is
not in question here, but it is doubtful that such alcohol consumption can be
depended upon to change the course of heart disease brought on by other
factors.  For now, you may counsel your guests to enjoy the drinks and the
evening's social aspects, while waiting for the scientific community to make
up its collective mind on this subject.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.