Wine and heart health
Studies have shown that adults who drink light to moderate amounts of alcohol may be less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not drink at all or are heavy drinkers. However, people who do not drink alcohol should not start just because they want to avoid developing heart disease.
Information
There is a fine line between healthy drinking and risky drinking. Do not begin drinking or drink more often just to lower your risk of heart disease. Heavier drinking can harm the heart and liver. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people who abuse alcohol.
Risky drinking
Many people with alcohol problems cannot tell when their drinking is out of control. It is important to be aware of how much you are drinking. You ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHealth care providers recommend that if you drink alcohol, drink only light to moderate amounts:
- For men, limit alcohol to 1 to 2 drinks a day.
- For women, limit alcohol to 1 drink a day.
One drink is defined as:
- 4 ounces (118 milliliters, mL) of wine
- 12 ounces (355 mL) of beer
- 1 1/2 ounces (44 mL) of 80-proof spirits
- 1 ounce (30 mL) of 100-proof spirits
Though research has found that alcohol use may be associated with a lower chance of heart disease, much more effective ways to prevent heart disease include:
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
Controlling blood pressure
Hypertension is another term used to describe high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to: StrokeHeart attackHeart failureKidney diseaseEar...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCholesterol
Your body needs cholesterol to work well. But cholesterol levels that are too high can harm you. In the US, blood cholesterol is most often measured...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Exercising and following a low-fat, healthy diet
Exercising
Getting regular exercise when you have heart disease is important. Physical activity can strengthen your heart muscle and help you manage blood pres...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleFollowing a low-fat, healthy diet
A healthy diet is an important factor in reducing your risk for heart disease.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Not smoking
Not smoking
There are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Maintaining an ideal weight
Maintaining an ideal weight
The foods and drinks you choose are important to maintaining a healthy weight. This article offers advice on making good food choices to manage your...
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Anyone who has heart disease or heart failure should talk to their provider before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make heart failure and other heart problems worse.
Reviewed By
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Kloner RA, Rezkalla S. Cardiomyopathies induced by drugs or toxins. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine.12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 84.
Mozaffarian D. Nutrition and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine.12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 29.
Snetselaar LG, de Jesus JM, DeSilva DM, Stoody EE. Dietary guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025: understanding the scientific process, guidelines, and key recommendations. Nutr Today. 2021;56(6):287-295. PMID: 34987271 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34987271/.