A new study has found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lowerRisk of heart diseaseis connected. This is thought to be due to its ability to reduce stress signals in the brain. However, experts say they do not recommend drinking alcohol to reduce the risk of heart attack. Alcohol is linked to other health problems, including cancer and high blood pressure.
Can moderate alcohol consumption protect the heart?
In their study, the researchers compare people who either do not consume alcoholic beverages or drink excessively. This is the first research whose results show a heart benefit from reducing stress with moderate drinking. Participants were divided into low, moderate and high alcohol consumption groups based on their self-reported consumption. Accordingly, the team determined cardiovascular disorders such as heart attacks and strokes using diagnostic codes. When they analyzed the data, the scientists found that moderate alcohol consumption reduced the chance of a major cardiovascular event by 20 percent. These subjects also had lower stress-related brain activity. One reason alcohol may be helpful, according to the study authors, is that this substance can reduce stress-related brain signals. In brain imaging studies, they found that stress-related activity was higher in the brains of those who completely abstained from alcohol consumption and even higher in the brains of heavy drinkers.
This studyHowever, it does not intend to promote alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking is associated with much harm. Even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cancer and lead to addiction, according to the study authors. However, they believe that shedding light on this potential mechanism for reducing cardiovascular disease may open doors to new therapeutics. Accordingly, they couldStress relief without the harmful effectsof alcohol. However, people with a history of high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation should not be advised to consume alcohol simply for the potential benefit of reducing stress signals from the brain. People should continue to focus on things that have proven benefits to reduce the risk of heart disease. This includes abstinence from tobacco use, regular exercise, weight optimization, and a low-sodium or low-fat diet.
