Reducing alcohol consumption is good for cardiac health, shows new study

Alcohol consumption in excess amount can lead to several health complications and it becomes an addiction over time as well. That explains why doctors always advise people to limit consumption of alcoholic beverages. A new study also corroborates this theory. The study team is of the view reducing alcohol intake is good for heart and it also lowers risk of developing high blood pressure in men and women. It was carried out by University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. It challenges the concept moderate consumption of alcoholic beverage is good for health.

University of Pennsylvania’s assistant professor Michael Holmes said, “These new results are critically important to our understanding of how alcohol affects heart disease. Contrary to what earlier reports have shown, it now appears that any exposure to alcohol has a negative impact upon heart health.” He is the study’s co author and works in department of Transplant Surgery at the university’s Perelman School of Medicine. The study team comprised of 155 researchers hailing from Australia, North America, continental Europe and the UK. The Medical Research Council UK and British Heart Foundation funded this study.

Mr Holmes added, "For some time, observational studies have suggested that only heavy drinking was detrimental to cardiovascular health, and that light consumption may actually be beneficial. This has led some people to drink moderately based on the belief that it would lower their risk of heart disease.”

Earlier a number of studies indicated drinking alcohol in moderation is not harmful. The new research was done after compiling data of 50 other studies that included 260000 people. It was also found people who drink less liquor per week have lower risk of getting afflicted with coronary heart disease.

In this study, the researchers analyzed cardiovascular health of candidates with 'alcohol dehydrogenase 1B' gene. This gene is known for its capacity to breakdown alcohol fast. This fast breakdown can lead to unpleasant symptoms like facial flushing and nausea. This eventually prompts those people to reduce level of alcohol consumption. The team used this genetic marker to identify links between improved cardiovascular health and individuals with lower liquor consumption.