Are There Potentially Negative Effects?

Data shows that both men and women who consume increasing amounts of alcohol have a rising likelihood of developing high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. Women who consume three or more drinks a day have as much as a 20% to 40% increased likelihood of having high blood pressure compared to women who drink less.

In some studies, a "J-shaped" curve exists: moderate drinkers have a slightly lower blood pressure than non-drinkers, but blood pressure rises for heavier drinkers.

Also, at least one major study shows that increasing amounts of alcohol are associated with increasing heart size. When cardiac enlargement is extensive, it can result in heart failure. However, it should be remembered that very active, healthy athletes tend to have somewhat enlarged hearts, which implies that not all cardiac enlargement is detrimental to health.

Most importantly, no study has demonstrated that moderate drinkers are any less healthy than abstainers; in fact, studies tend to show that moderate drinkers are healthier than abstainers or heavy drinkers.

It has been suggested by some that mederate alcohol consumption can lead to an increased risk of accidents or to eventual alcohol abuse. This suggestion has not been supported by any scientific study.

SOURCES:

Davidson MD; Cardiovascular Effects of Alcohol; Western Journal of Medicine 1989; 151: 430-439.

Perrine MW et al.; Epidemiologic Perspectives on Drunk Driving; Surgeon General's Workshop on Drunk Driving; Washington DC, 1988.


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