Moderate drinking may reduce heart disease risk

Conclusion This study paints a more complicated picture than the "Pint a day keeps the doctor away" story proffered by The Sun. It seems to confirm the findings of other studies, which have shown that non-drinkers tend to have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases than people who drink moderately. It suggests that some cardiovascular diseases (mainly those directly affecting the heart) seem to have a stronger link to a possible protective effect from alcohol than other vascular diseases, such as mini-strokes and bleeding in the brain. However, this can't be concluded with certainty due to the study design. We need to remember that cohort studies like this cannot prove that alcohol consumption or lack of it is a direct cause of cardiovascular disease. Many health and lifestyle factors may be having an influence. For example, non-drinkers were more likely to be from deprived areas, to have diabetes or be obese, factors which the analysis didn't adjust for. We also have no information about other factors such as diet or exercise, which could also affect the results. Also, the researchers' decision only to include people's first diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease complicates matters. For example, if a person had a Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (also known as a "mini-stroke") and then went onto have a full stroke, only the TIA would be recorded. Therefore it is difficult to be certain of a person's overall cardiovascular disease status. We can't be sur...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Food/diet Lifestyle/exercise Source Type: news