Scientists determine the dose of alcohol to benefit the heart

British scientists have assessed the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and death from heart attack in people with cardiovascular disease based on daily alcohol consumption.

And the journal BMC Medicine says the results showed that the risks for those who drink half a glass of wine a day are lower than those who drink no alcohol at all, as well as those who drink a glass of wine. or a bottle. of beer per day.

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In this study, scientists at University College London used the Health Services England and Scotland database and UK Biobank data, as well as the results of 12 previous studies.

These data included more than 48,000 men and women with cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke and angina) or who died of a heart attack in the past 20 years. Each participant also revealed their alcohol consumption.

The researchers found that the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease was in people who consumed six grams of alcohol per day. For those who drank 15 grams of alcohol (equivalent to half a glass), the risk was a little higher, but lower than those who drank no alcohol at all, and those who drank a bottle of beer or a half a bottle of wine per day.

“These results suggest that people with cardiovascular disease may reduce this risk by reducing the amount of alcohol they drink per day. Because alcohol consumption is associated with the risk of developing other diseases. they should not drink excessively. “

The researchers note that the risk of recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction was halved for people who drank six grams of alcohol per day, compared to those who drank none at all, and the risk of death from any cause has been reduced by 21%.

Researchers believe that drinking 105 grams of alcohol per week (one bottle of wine or three bottles of beer) is safe for the heart. And that the risk of cardiovascular disease, increases dramatically by drinking more alcohol.

The researchers point out that these conclusions are not based on a direct follow-up, but rather on the mathematical treatment of data which they obtained from many sources and at different time periods. Therefore, they tried to make adjustments for age, sex, and smoking, and they excluded those who never or rarely drank, as well as those who drank excessively before, and during the study they did not. have not drunk or drank a small amount.

Source: RIA Novosti

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