XXV. Alcohol and Heart Disease

Researchers have observed that one glass of wine taken for six weeks boosts HDL ten points. Such an increase of HDL should lead to a 40 percent reduction in cardiac risk, but this is not always the case when alcohol is used as a medicine. This is because alcohol increases triglyceride levels and those who have a moderate to high TG count, will be at greater risk if they use alcohol to increase their HDL count.

Alcohol should be used only if you have a low to moderate triglyceride count. Consult your physicain in this regard.

On one hand alcohol is known to reduce blood clotting activity by acting on platelets and fibrinogen levels. On the other hand, alcohol contributes to hypertension, stroke and angina attacks. Alcohol can damage the myocardioum and precipitate arrythmias. Heavy drinking can also lower testosterone, putting the patient at further risk.

Alcohol should be avoided or used only in moderation. Use it as a medicine only in exceptional cases, under medical advice.