Alcoholic beverages have been consumed for thousands of years and their consumption constitutes a cultural asset in many societies. Since the XNUMXth century, numerous epidemiological evidence has emerged from large prospective cross-cultural studies that support light consumption by reducing the incidence of ischemic heart disease; specifically, red wine, a constituent of the Mediterranean diet and labeled as beneficial by different scientific committees.
However, the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and health is complex. This consumption is also associated with liver diseases, breast cancer, tuberculosis and other adverse events (traffic accidents, for example). Therefore, the minimum amount of alcohol that determines the loss of health is relative; depending on population characteristics, among them: geographical setting, age and gender.
For all these reasons, the relationship between alcohol consumption and health has raised great controversy in the scientific literature. Given that the available evidence suggests that low levels of alcohol consumption are associated with a lower risk of some diseases (ischemic heart disease, for example) and a higher risk of others, alcohol consumption guidelines and recommendations must be taken into account. the complete epidemiological profile of the population, including the prevalence of cardiovascular and liver diseases, neoplasms and mortality from traffic accidents.
What does light alcohol consumption mean?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), light consumption corresponds to 1 standard drink equivalent per day, where 1 standard drink per day is defined as 12 grams of pure ethanol and corresponds to 1 glass of wine, 1 can of beer or 1 shot of whiskey/gin/vodka/liqueur.
What is it about red wine that makes it beneficial?
Wine is obtained through the fermentation of grape must. Its most important components are water, ethanol and polyphenols, both flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Polyphenols are of special interest in cardiology due to their biological and cardio-protective properties. Flavonoids are antioxidants that in preclinical and clinical studies prevent the development of endothelial dysfunction and vascular atherosclerosis, with antihypertensive, antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties.
Are there cardiovascular risks?
Atrial fibrillation ( AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the general population, and moderate to heavy alcohol consumption can trigger it. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the recurrence of AF and lead to higher rates of paroxysmal and persistent AF. Furthermore, heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of other arrhythmias and alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
Finally, what do you recommend regarding its consumption?
Light alcohol intake is considered cardioprotective by epidemiological and experimental research, following observations of a lower incidence of ischemic heart disease.
Who should not consume it?
Pregnant women, children and adolescents, patients with severe liver or heart disease, patients with any specific treatment that interacts with alcohol, therefore, it is important to consult your treating doctor beforehand. Recognizing that the majority of people who consume harmful amounts of alcohol are young adults and predominantly men, to reduce morbidity and mortality secondary to alcohol it is important to prioritize interventions targeting these groups.
Although it may sound pleasant to receive the recommendation of light alcohol intake, we cannot forget that quitting smoking is even more beneficial, but at the same time more difficult; Changing a sedentary lifestyle and starting to do aerobic physical activity is also a challenge. Following a strict diet, reducing salt consumption and caloric intake to lose weight, is also a challenge. Therefore, indications regarding alcohol consumption must always be accompanied by pertinent recommendations on the control of other cardiovascular risk factors.
By Dr. Ricardo Mori , UICAR specialist