What happens when alcohol non-drinkers begin to drink? Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina wanted to learn. They did a large study to find out. They looked at middle-aged non-drinkers who began drinking in moderation. The researchers found a much lower risk of getting cardiovascular disease (CVD). That’s in comparison to those who continued abstaining.
The researchers studied 7,697 people aged 45 to 64 who were non-drinkers. They were in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study over a 10 year period.
The investigators found that 6% began consuming alcohol in moderation. That is, up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men during the follow-up period.
This study is very important. It provides more evidence that the reduced risk of cardiovascular disease is a result of the alcohol itself.
How Alcohol Helps the Heart & Brain
Also there is other evidence that alcohol reduces the risk of CVD. That is, some of the ways it does so are understood.
Alcohol reduces blood clotting. It does so in several ways. First, it reduces blood platelet clumping. Second, it reduces the blood’s clotting substance. Finally, it increases the process of dissolving clots.
Alcohol also helps in other ways. It reduces both blood pressure and insulin levels. It reduces heart artery spasms. And it improves both estrogen levels and blood flow.
Abstaining from alcohol increases the chances for both poor health and earlier death. For more, see Alcohol and Health.
Resources: Non-drinkers Begin to Drink
Web Pages
Readings
- Am Heart Assn. Controlling Your Risk Factors. NY: AHA, 2019.
- Marler, J. Stroke for Dummies. Hoboken: Wiley, 2013.
- Nat Insti Neuro Dis Stroke. Preventing Stroke. Bethesda: The Inst, 2011.
- Rinzler, C, and Graf, M. Controlling Cholesterol for Dummies. Hoboken: Wiley, 2013.
Source
King, D. et al. Adopting moderate alcohol consumption in middle-age: Subsequent cardio events. Am J Med, 2008, 121(3).