Light to Moderate Alcohol Consumption Has Cardiovascular Benefits

27/07/06 Light to moderate alcohol consumption is linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease among the elderly, say researchers from the Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. This is yet another study highlighting the benefits of moderate drinking.

The researchers say the cardiovascular benefits are not only due to alcohol's anti-inflammatory effects. Several previous studies had found levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 are lower among light alcohol drinkers compared to those who drink nothing at all. C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 blood levels are inflammatory markers.

The team gathered information on 2,500 people, all aged 70-79. None of them had any type of heart disease. Half of them never touched a drop of alcohol while the other half were light to moderate drinkers. The people were followed-up for five-and-a-half years. During this period 307 of them died, of which 383 suffered a cardiac event.

The scientists discovered that those who drank up to seven alcoholic drinks a week were 27.4% less likely to die than those who abstained completely. Those who drank up to seven alcoholic drinks per week were also 29% less likely to experience a cardiac event.

Amazingly for the researchers, this lower risk still stood for people with higher levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in their blood. This means the benefits are probably not due to the anti-inflammatory effects of alcohol, but something else.

Lead researcher, Dr. Cinzia Maraldi, said people must remember that the benefits are only there for light to moderate drinkers. Heavy drinkers have a much higher risk of death or a cardiovascular event than light to moderate drinkers and those who never drink at all.

The team is now not sure why moderate drinking helps. The benefit may be at cellular level, or there may be genetic factors which interact with alcohol.