Does Alcohol Protect Against Heart Problems
Some studies have shown an association between moderate alcohol intake and a lower risk of dying from heart disease.
But its hard to determine cause and effect from those studies, says McEvoy. Perhaps people who sip red wine have higher incomes, which tend to be associated with more education and greater access to healthier foods. Similarly, red wine drinkers might be more likely to eat a heart-healthy diet.
There is some evidence that moderate amounts of alcohol might help to slightly raise levels of good HDL cholesterol. Researchers have also suggested that red wine, in particular, might protect the heart, thanks to the antioxidants it contains.
But you dont have to pop a cork to reap those benefits. Exercise can also boost HDL cholesterol levels, and antioxidants can be found in other foods, such as fruits, vegetables and grape juice
Types Of Alcohol And Their Effect On Cholesterol
According to the American Addiction Center , drinking more than moderate amounts of wine, beer, or liquor such as vodka, whisky, and gin can have a detrimental effect on a persons health, including causing elevated cholesterol levels.
In addition, the type of alcohol a person consumes can have different effects on the body. The following sections will look at these types and their effects in more detail.
What Cardiovascular Diseases Can Alcohol Cause
Heart attack
Your heart muscle needs oxygen so it can keep pumping. A heart attack is when an artery supplying oxygen to the heart muscle is reduced or cut off completely, preventing the heart muscle receiving oxygen. The blood flow to the heart can be blocked due to a gradual build up of plaque, fat and cholesterol that cause a narrowing of the coronary arteries.Alcohol consumption can raise the levels of fat in the blood. People with high triglycerides often have high levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol. High levels of bad cholesterol can clog arteries and if a piece of plaque breaks off, a clot forms and a heart attack can result.
Stroke
Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of two types of strokes occurring. Both result in a disrupted blood flow to brain tissue, and can result in a loss of motor and sensory functions. A stroke can also damage other systems in the body including the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. 29
Ischemic stroke
This is when an artery supplying blood to the brain tissue is blocked. This blockage can result from a clot that has formed in the artery or from a foreign body that has broken off that becomes lodged in the artery, blocking it.30
Alcohol increases the risk of ischemic stroke because it can:
Haemorrhagic stroke
This results from an artery supplying brain tissue, tearing and bleeding.31
You May Like: Does Drinking Beer Raise Cholesterol
Myth: Red Wine Lowers Cholesterol
Fact: Keeping your cholesterol within a healthy range is important if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease.
According to a study published in Clinical Nutrition, red wine increases good cholesterol. On the flip side, nonalcoholic red wine decreases levels of bad cholesterol. LDL levels stayed the same in people who drank alcoholic red wine, so keep this in mind when you order a glass with dinner.
Effects On Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
As noted above, there are many types of cardiovascular disease. This section will review the effects of alcohol and tobacco use on three of the most common manifestations of clinical cardiovascular diseasecoronary heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure.
Alcohol intake in the range of 3 to 14 drinks per week consistently has been associated with decreased risk of myocardial infarction in observational studies, both among men and women and in a variety of countries . In nearly all studies, this association has been similar among smokers and nonsmokers, suggesting that although smoking clearly increases coronary risk two- to four-fold , alcohol acts similarly whether or not an individual smokes. Even the few studies that have identified apparent smoking-related differences in how alcohol use is associated with coronary heart disease do not agree on whether smokers or nonsmokers are most likely to demonstrate the lower coronary risk linked to moderate drinking. However, few of these population studies enrolled sufficient numbers of heavy drinkers to understand their risk of myocardial infarction with certainty or to examine how heavy drinking might interact with smoking. In addition, the magnitude of risk related to smoking is far larger than any ostensible benefit related to moderate drinking, so even those current smokers who drink moderately remain at high risk for myocardial infarction.
Also Check: High Cholesterol Foods Shrimp
Your Body Needs Just Enough Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that travels through your blood. At persistently elevated levels, its linked to an increased risk in heart disease. But cholesterol isnt a bad guy on its own. In fact, your body needs cholesterol to function properly.
The problem is, your body needs only a small amount of it, and your liver produces enough to meet your bodys needs.
Pathophysiology And Oxidative Stress
The factors responsible for the apparent cardiovascular benefits of light-to-moderate alcohol intake are uncertain. The inverse association between red wine consumption and mortality by CVD was initially published in 1979 . Later on, in 1992, the concept of the French Paradox was introduced to describe an epidemiological observation in which the French show a relatively low incidence of CHD, despite the consumption of a diet rich in saturated fat and the presence of risk factors similar to those of other populations . The relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality in apparently healthy people or patients with CVD has been depicted as a J-shaped curve attributed to a dose-related combination of beneficial and harmful effects .
Read Also: Ldl Cholesterol Effects
An Important Public Health Issue
Potential relationships of alcohol use and smoking on cardiovascular disease are of great public health importance. estimates that in 2003, over 71 million Americans had some form of cardiovascular disease, representing more than 34 percent of the United States population. In 2002, cardiovascular disease caused or contributed to more than 1.4 million deaths in the United States, representing about 58 percent of all mortality. Tobacco use is an important contributor to this burden. About 21 percent of adult Americans reported using tobacco in 2004. Although tobacco use rates generally have declined over the last 40 years, some 4,000 individuals become new regular smokers every day. Given that more than 85 percent of smokers drink alcohol, and that drinkers are 75 percent more likely to smoke than are abstainers, the public health ramifications of joint use of alcohol and tobacco may be substantial indeed.
Can Drinking Too Much Wine Cause High Cholesterol
can raisecholesterolDrinkingcan raisecholesterol
. Herein, does wine affect cholesterol?
Red Wine and Grape JuiceAlcohol may raise levels of good HDL cholesterol by as much as 5 to 15 percent, research shows and red wine is particularly beneficial because its polyphenol antioxidants may also lower LDL levels. If you’re not into vino, grape juice can provide some of the same heart-healthy benefits.
Also Know, what is the best drink to lower cholesterol? Drinks That Can Help You Lower High Cholesterol
- Tart cherry juice. PR Newswire notes a study published in Food & Function found tart cherry juice may help cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health in general.
- Cranberry juice.
Additionally, can alcohol affect your cholesterol?
Consuming alcohol can raise cholesterol levels because alcohol is processed through the same organ that is responsible for making cholesterol. For example, studies show that excessive drinking may increase LDL levels, which is the bad type of cholesterol. In addition, alcohol is known to raise triglyceride levels.
Does drinking alcohol the night before affect a cholesterol test?
Yes. fasting allows proper interpretation of blood lipid levels. You will be instructed to not eat or drink anything for 14 hours before the blood is drawn. You should not drink alcohol for 48 hours prior to the test.
Don’t Miss: How Long Should You Wait Between Cholesterol Tests
Does Wine Lower My Risk Of Heart Disease
Its a scientifically proven fact that drinking wine can indeed lower your risk of developing heart disease. Theres a huge but that follows that statement, though.
A combination of alcohol, antioxidants, and other compounds found in wine all work together to provide these heart benefits when you drink wine in moderation .
Studies have found that individuals who drank wine in moderation like this had about a 20% reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Moderate wine consumption helps to improve the good HDL levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream, while also helping to lower high blood pressure.
Again though, it must be stressed that these benefits are gained from drinking wine in moderate amountsnot a whole bottle at once!
Alcohol And Blood Pressure: What Are The Effects
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
The relationship between the long-term use of alcohol and blood pressure levels is a major medical concern as alcoholic drinks are commonly consumed by most cultures in the world, and one in eight American adults suffer from alcohol abuse.
Chronic alcohol consumption can have damaging effects on the liver, digestive tract, and vascular system, which leads to elevated blood pressure levels. This increases the risk for serious cardiovascular issues, like heart attack and stroke.
The link between alcohol and blood pressure levels was first documented in the early 1900s. Dozens of studies since then have worked to establish the physiological mechanism behind the relationship, and research is still ongoing.
In This Article:
Don’t Miss: Shrimp And High Cholesterol
What Is Heart Disease
There are lots of different types of heart disease. In the UK, coronary heart disease is the most common type, and can lead to sudden death from a major heart attack. It causes the typical chest pain known as angina and is also a common cause of problems ranging from less serious heart attacks to chronic heart failure.
CHD happens when there is a gradual build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries in your heart on which blood clots may form. These deposits cause the artery to narrow, and make it harder for it to supply your heart muscle with the oxygen and nutrients which it needs to function normally.4
The most commonly known symptoms of coronary heart disease are known as angina. These usually include chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion.4
Does Wine Affect Cholesterol Levels
can raisecholesterol levelsDrinkingiseffectcan raisecholesterol andlevels
. In this manner, is wine bad for cholesterol?
Red Wine and Grape JuiceAlcohol may raise levels of good HDL cholesterol by as much as 5 to 15 percent, research shows and red wine is particularly beneficial because its polyphenol antioxidants may also lower LDL levels. If you’re not into vino, grape juice can provide some of the same heart-healthy benefits.
Also, what is the best drink to lower cholesterol? Drinks That Can Help You Lower High Cholesterol
- Tart cherry juice. PR Newswire notes a study published in Food & Function found tart cherry juice may help cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health in general.
- Cranberry juice.
Keeping this in consideration, can alcohol affect your cholesterol?
Consuming alcohol can raise cholesterol levels because alcohol is processed through the same organ that is responsible for making cholesterol. For example, studies show that excessive drinking may increase LDL levels, which is the bad type of cholesterol. In addition, alcohol is known to raise triglyceride levels.
Does drinking alcohol the night before affect a cholesterol test?
Yes. fasting allows proper interpretation of blood lipid levels. You will be instructed to not eat or drink anything for 14 hours before the blood is drawn. You should not drink alcohol for 48 hours prior to the test.
Don’t Miss: Does Baked Potato Have Cholesterol
What Causes Elevated Cholesterol
As far as diet, saturated fat is the single most influential factor affecting on cholesterol levels. A diet high in saturated fat has a potent influence on raising low-density lipoprotein, a harmful form of cholesterol.
Lifestyle choices can affect your cholesterol levels by influencing how your body breaks down cholesterol. Smoking for example, is well-known to increase cholesterol and another blood fat called triglyceride. Alcohol intake also influences cholesterol levels.
Eat Fewer Refined Grains Such As White Flour
Were a nation of white food eaters white bread, white rice, white pasta, and white-flour foods like muffins, croissants, bagels, crackers, dried cereals, tortillas, pretzels, and chips. Yes, more than half of many Americans typical diets are made up of hyperprocessed refined white flour, often injected with sugar, salt, and/or fat.
Thats a real problem in part because the more white, or refined, grains we eat, the fewer whole grains we tend to take in. Research has found that eating whole grains can help lower both total and LDL cholesterol, and improve heart health.
In Harvard Universitys Nurses Health Study, for example, women who ate two to three servings of whole-grain products each day were 30% less likely to have a heart attack or die from heart disease over a 10-year period than women who ate less than one serving of whole grains per week.2
When first starting to make the switch from refined to whole grains, many people often feel a bit confused. Where to begin? Whats whole? What isnt?
The registered dietitians at the Pritikin Longevity Center start with one very simple rule. When looking at products like breads and cereals, they recommend turning the package around and making sure the first word in the Ingredient List is whole. If you see the word whole at the top of the list, its a good bet that what youre buying is in fact 100% whole grain, or close to it.
You May Like: Are Potatoes Good For Cholesterol
Studies Have Shown That Alcohol Can Have A Good Or Bad Impact Depending On How Much You Drink
Should you enjoy that glass of wine with dinner? Is it okay to relax with a cold beer? When it comes to your heart health, the answer is not clear. The existing research is quite conflicting some studies say alcohol improves heart health, while others imply the reverse.
So, what’s the truth?
“It comes down to moderation,” says Dr. J. Michael Gaziano, a preventive cardiologist with Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Division of Aging and VA Boston. “A safe amount about one drink per day may support a healthy heart and lower your risk of heart disease, while too much can be damaging.”
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
- Research health conditions
- Prepare for a doctor’s visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Can Alcohol Have Any Benefits For Your Heart
There is some evidence that low levels of alcohol consumption can be protective against coronary heart disease, but only in a specific section of the population women over 50 years of age.
Even for women over 50, the risks of harm from alcohol outweigh any small benefit. The evidence for the small benefit to heart health doesnt justify drinking to protect your heart.
This protective effect is only seen with low levels of alcohol consumption and doesnt appear to be dependent on the type of alcoholic drink for example, there is no evidence that red wine offers extra protection.7
At all levels of alcohol consumption above one unit a day the protective effect disappears and there is instead an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
However, even low-level drinking increases the risks of other very serious illnesses including other types of heart disease, several types of cancer, brain damage, pancreatitis and alcohol-related liver disease. The safest level of drinking is to drink no alcohol at all.8,9
Recommended Reading: Is Tuna Fish High In Cholesterol
What Are Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other substances that supplement the vitamins and minerals you get from foods. These products come as pills, powders, drinks, and bars. They are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, vitamin stores, and health food stores and on the Internet.
Many supplements are advertised for specific health problems, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or CV disease. Some supplements that have been sold for these CV problems include:
- Vitamins and minerals, such as:
- Niacin
Dietary supplements are very popular. You may have seen them advertised on TV, on the Internet, in newspapers, or in magazines. Or, you may have heard about supplements from a friend. One to two out of every three adults with CV problems takes a dietary supplement because they think it will give them some health benefit.
More information on dietary supplements is available at:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site: www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109760.htm
- The National Institutes of Health Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov/pubs/DS_WhatYouNeedToKnow.pdf
How are dietary supplements different from prescription and over-the-counter medicines?
Unlike prescription or over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements do not have to be approved by the FDA.
Can dietary supplements be harmful?
How Does Alcohol Affect Cholesterol
While alcohol itself doesnt contain cholesterol, it can still affect your cholesterol levels in several ways.
To begin with, alcohol is processed through your liver, which also makes and eliminates cholesterol. When you drink excessively, your liver focuses on getting rid of the alcohol and becomes less efficient at other tasksincluding managing your cholesterol levels.
Your liver also processes fat and sugar more slowly when dealing with alcohol, leading to higher fat storage. Triglyceridesthe most common type of fat stored in the bodyare also linked to fatty buildup in the arteries. The extra calories in many alcoholic drinks can worsen this problem, even contributing to fatty liver disease, further affecting how well you process cholesterol.
Overall, higher alcohol consumptioneven occasional binge drinkingseems to increase lipid levels in the bloodstream, and is generally not good for heart health5.
You May Like: Does Egg Beaters Have Cholesterol