Heart Association Revives Theory That Light Drinking May Be Good For You

An anonymous reader quotes a report from the New York Times: For a while, it seemed the notion that light drinking was good for the heart had gone by the wayside, debunked by new studies and overshadowed by warnings that alcohol causes cancer. Now the American Heart Association has revived the idea in a scientific review that is drawing intense criticism, setting off a new round of debate about alcohol consumption. The paper, which sought to summarize the latest research and was aimed at practicing cardiologists, concluded that light drinking -- one to two drinks a day -- posed no risk for coronary disease, stroke, sudden death and possibly heart failure, and may even reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Controversy over the influential organization's review has been simmering since it was published in the association's journal Circulation in July. Public health groups and many doctors have warned on the basis of recent studies that alcohol can be harmful even in small amounts. Groups like the European Heart Network and the World Heart Federation have stressed that even modest drinking increases the odds of cardiovascular disease. 'It says in all our guidelines right now, 'If you don't drink, don't start.' There's not enough evidence to suggest conclusively that it prevents heart disease,' said Dr. Mariell Jessup, the chief science and medical officer at the heart association, adding that the review was not meant to serve as a guideline and that the group's advice to patients has not changed.

Critics argue that suggesting any heart-health benefits from alcohol is dangerous given its well-documented risks, and they accuse the heart association of selectively weighing studies. They also say a past tie to the alcohol industry by one author should have disqualified him from participating.

'The cardiovascular benefits of moderate drinking are questionable at best,' said Dr. Elizabeth Farkouh, an internist and alcohol researcher. 'But even if there was a benefit, there are so many other ways to reduce cardiovascular risk that don't come with an associated cancer risk.'

The new review's conclusion is also at odds with the CDC's guidance on alcohol, which notes that 'even moderate drinking may increase your risk of death and other alcohol-related harms, compared to not drinking.' It also seems to diverge from the heart association's diet and lifestyle recommendation to consume 'limited or preferably no alcohol,' along with its 2023 statement that recent research suggests there is 'no safe level of alcohol use.'

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