Light to moderate consumption of alcohol has been associated with lower coronary heart disease rates. This is defined as no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. One drink is defined as twelve ounces of regular beer, five ounces of wine or one and one-half ounce of distilled spirits (80 proof).
Alcohol may help protect against heart disease by raising levels of HDL-cholesterol. Risks for CHD, hypertriglyceridemia, pancreatitis, hypertension and cardiomyopathy may increase in women who consume more than one drink per day and for men who consume more than two drinks per day. Alcohol consumption should be avoided by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, individuals operating a motor vehicle or other equipment, individuals taking prescription or non-prescription medication, recovering alcoholics, and those with a history of chemical dependency. Most authorities do not recommend initiation of alcohol consumption for non-drinkers with lipid disorders (Criqui, 1990 [R]; Jackson, 1993 [R]; Klatsky, 1981 [B]; Rimm, 1996 [R]). |