Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in Europe, responsible for about 30% of deaths. Responsible alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke mainly in men over 40 and in women after menopause, meaning when the risk factors for coronary artery disease increase significantly.
Drinking alcohol, however, is not recommended if you have high blood pressure. If someone has a heart condition they can only consume alcohol in moderation if the alcohol does not affect the medication they are taking. But they should always consult their doctor.
Excessive consumption, on the other hand, strains the heart and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease.
It is estimated that alcohol is responsible for 75% of the cardio-protective effects of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol favorably alters the balance of fats or lipids in the blood stimulating the liver to produce “good” high-density cholesterol (HDL). HDL removes “bad” low-density cholesterol (LDL) from the arteries and veins so that they will be eliminated through the bile.
Alcohol reduces the formation of clots or the “attachment” of red blood cells that, if untreated, may create a clot that will block the blood flow in an artery or vein causing a heart attack or stroke.
According to recent research, drinking one or two drinks a day for men and one for women does not exacerbate heart disease. On the contrary, exceeding this limit can significantly increase blood pressure which aggravates heart disease.