Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Reduce Heart Disease Risk

Drinking alcohol in small to moderate amounts can have positive effects on the brain’s stress activity and potentially lower the risk of heart disease.

The researchers, hailing from Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States, discovered that people who consume light to moderate amounts of alcohol, which means around 1 drink per day for women and 1 to 2 drinks per day for men, experience long-term reductions in stress signals in their brains.

This finding is significant because it suggests that the impact alcohol has on the brain’s stress systems could explain why light to moderate drinkers tends to have fewer cardiovascular problems. In other words, drinking alcohol in these amounts might contribute to a lower risk of heart disease.

Heart-protective effects of alcohol

Researchers are delving deeper into this mechanism with the aim of discovering alternative approaches that can mimic or trigger the heart-protective effects of alcohol without its negative consequences.

Although earlier studies have hinted at a connection between light to moderate alcohol consumption and a reduced risk of heart disease, it has remained uncertain whether alcohol itself is solely responsible for these benefits or if other factors, such as socioeconomic status commonly found among light/ moderate drinkers, play a role in shielding their hearts.

Details of the recent study

The recently conducted study examined the data of over 50,000 individuals who were enrolled in the Mass General Brigham Biobank.

In the first phase of the study, researchers investigated the relationship between light to moderate alcohol consumption and significant adverse cardiovascular events. They took into account various factors such as genetics, clinical history, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status.

Even after considering these multiple factors, the study revealed a substantial decrease in the risk of cardiovascular disease events among individuals who engaged in light to moderate alcohol consumption.

In the second phase, the researchers focused on a subset of 754 individuals who had previously undergone PET/CT brain scans. Their objective was to understand the impact of light to moderate alcohol consumption on the brain’s resting stress-related activity.

Brain scan results

Among individuals who were classified as light to moderate drinkers, the brain scans indicated reduced stress signaling in the amygdala region. This particular brain region is associated with the body’s responses to stress.

In comparison, those who abstained from alcohol or drank in smaller quantities did not exhibit the same reduction in stress-related brain activity.

“We found that the brain changes in light to moderate drinkers explained a significant portion of the protective cardiac effects,” senior author and cardiologist Ahmed Tawakol said.

Sympathetic nervous system activition

Dr. Tawakol explained that when the amygdala is excessively alert and vigilant, it triggers the sympathetic nervous system. This, in turn, leads to elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and the release of inflammatory cells.

He further noted that chronic stress resulting from heightened amygdala activity can contribute to hypertension, and heightened inflammation, and significantly increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Intriguingly, the scientists also investigated whether light to moderate alcohol consumption would have a greater impact on reducing heart attacks and strokes in individuals who are more susceptible to stress, such as those with chronic anxiety.

Moderate #alcohol consumption does not increase the risk of death🍷

A meta-analysis of more than 4.8 million participants found no significant reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality (but no increase either!) among drinkers who consumed less than 25 g of ethanol per day
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— Cristina Dragani (@CristinaDragani) April 7, 2023

The results revealed that alcohol consumption in these individuals was associated with nearly twice the protective effect on the heart compared to others.

These findings shed light on the potential benefits of light to moderate alcohol consumption in reducing stress-related health risks, especially for individuals prone to chronic anxiety. However, it is important to note that alcohol consumption should always be approached with moderation and in consideration of individual health circumstances.