Alcohol: the good, the bad, and the health aspects.

By Paul Goldfinger, MD, FACC

From our 2011 book   Prevention Does Work:  A Guide To a a Healthy Heart.   We are now working on an update.

2011 from the book:

Heavy consumption of alcohol increases the risk of dying, but small amounts of alcohol seem to offer some minimal protection against coronary disease.  In the Physicians Health Study (1998) 5,358 male physicians who had a history of heart attack were questioned as to alcohol intake. 

During a 5 year follow-up, small amounts of alcohol. (from 2-4 drinks per week up to one drink per day) resulted in a reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk.  The benefits of alcohol are believed to relate to raising HDL  (“good cholesterol”) levels, inhibiting LDL oxidation, and reducing blood clotting.

2020 update:  Moderate alcohol intake is considered to be 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks for men.  One drink is 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine and 1.5 oz of 80 proof spirits.  Such intake “may” reduce the risk of diabetes, ischemic stroke, (where blood vessels are narrowed,) and coronary disease.  And there is a tiny increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Heavy alcohol intake has only bad risks:  multiple cancers, heart disease (cardiomyopathy), stroke, hypertension, liver disease, suicide, DUI, and risk to the fetus.

A study published in a journal of psychiatry found that 72% of men suffering from alcohol dependence were also experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction. This included not only erectile problems but also premature ejaculation, loss of libido, and difficulty achieving orgasm. 

So alcohol increases desire and decreases performance.

  And be careful if you mix alcohol and Viagra.

No one should start drinking as a way to prevent any disease.

We will cover red wine separately.