Alcohol Consumption and Heart Disease

Since coronary artery disease still has high mortality and morbidity rates despite recent advances in therapy, primary prevention became more important. Epidemiological studies suggest that moderate and regular alcohol consumption reduces the risk of coronary artery disease. A consistent coronary protective effect has been observed with the consumption of 1 to 2 drinks per day of an alcohol-containing beverage. This protective effect is attributed to an increase in HDL-C and insulin sensitivity, as well as to reduced serum fibrinogen levels. Although moderate alcohol consumption has a minor effect on blood pressure, more than moderate consumption causes a significant risk for hypertension. Besides the beneficial effects of low dose alcohol on coronary artery disease, high dose with long term alcohol consumption is associated with deterioration of myocardial contractile function and may even cause cardiomyopathy. With this article the effects of alcohol consumption on coronary artery disease were reviewed.