Happy Hour Determined to Be Heart Healthy

Researchers have just reaffirmed their conclusions that moderate consumption of alcohol is linked to a decrease risk of heart disease.

However, in an attached meta-analysis published online in BMJ, in an opposing argument it is stated that the uprising slew of evidence is by a casual link, and that a drink or two a day prevents death by cardiovascular disease.

Dr. William Ghali, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, states from a view of public health, the challenge at hand is to warn against over indulgence of alcohol and make sure people are aware of the possible benefits of moderate consumption. Dr. Ghali and associates conducted the research.

Researchers did note that this link is not new but firmly state the last major review of this top had occurred in 2006 and since that time more research has appeared throughout the years leading to a new meta-analysis and systemic review being needed.

In one study, they had looked for literature for prospective cohort studies on the link between alcohol consumption and overall mortality from cardiovascular disease, incidence of and mortality from coronary heart disease and the incidence for mortality from stroke.

In the other research, they had looked for studies which compared fasting levels of biological markers linked with coronary heart disease after use of alcohol with those observed following a period of sustaining from alcohol.

In the first meta-analysis they had located 84 studies that observed the results of interest. Gathered adjusted relative risks for alcohol drinkers in comparison to non-alcohol drinkers in random effects models and demonstrated that alcohol consumption was linked to a decreased risk of:

25% death from heart disease

29% for developing coronary heart disease

25% for fatal heart attack

However, it was noted that stroke incidence and mortality were not greatly linked with alcohol consumption.

A determination of dose response curve had shown that the lowest risk of coronary heart disease mortality occurs with one or two drinks a day. This is defined by 12.5 and 25 grams of alcohol.

For stroke mortality the lowest risk was at one drink per day greater than that had increased the risk.

Researchers had also found that moderate alcohol consumption indicated positive changes in cholestrol and other biomakers linked with coronary heart disease.

Researchers do note that this study suggests that moderate alcohol drinking is linked with net benefits. Different types of alcohol still showed the same benefits indicating it was the alcohol itself and not the type of drink.

Moderate alcohol drinking is stated at one or two drinks per day. For women alcohol consumption is limited to one glass a day to decrease risk for coronary heart disease.

One of the top exercises for women to lower risk for coronary heart disease is aerobics. Aerobics provides the most cardiovascular benefits. Aerobic exercise over a length of time will decrease heart rate and blood pressure and improve breathing so your heart will not work as hard during exercise.
Sources:

Everyday Health

New York Times

Web MD