This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Ashley Waring about the latest research about alcohol consumption and heart health. Dr. Waring is an Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine and she’s a cardiologist with a focus on cardiovascular disease prevention at MUSC.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Drinking alcohol on a regular basis, may increase cardiovascular risks. Doctor Ashley Waring is here to talk about the latest research about heart health and alcohol consumption. Doctor Waring is an Assistant Professor in the College of Medicine, and she's a cardiologist with a focus on cardiovascular disease prevention at MUSC. Doctor Waring, there's so much conflicting information that pops up online for anyone who searches alcohol and heart health. So, what's the latest information that you can provide about the impact of alcohol on cardiovascular health?
Dr. Waring: Everyone agrees that heavy alcohol use can either cause or worsen cardiovascular disease. Now the controversy really lies in what amount of alcohol is bad for you. And there's recent evidence showing that moderate and even light use might not be as harmless as we thought. I think that the question on most people's mind is, can even light drinking have a negative impact on cardiovascular health? This has arisen because of new data from an international study published by the American Heart Association that showed for the first time, that people who had low alcohol intake, and that's defined as just having one alcoholic drink per day, were more likely to have higher blood pressure over time than nondrinkers. And since we know that blood pressure can lead to heart attacks and strokes, this raises concerns that low alcohol intake might not be completely benign when it comes to heart health.
Conner: When it comes to heart health, what are some of the other potential issues or concerns related to drinking alcohol?
Dr. Waring: It can increase triglycerides. This can cause plaque or blockages in heart vessels. It can also raise the risk of having arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. And finally, in some instances, heavy alcohol use can even lead to cardiomyopathy or having a weak heart.
Conner: Are there any cardiovascular benefits to drinking alcohol, for example, what about red wine that we used to hear about a decade ago?
Dr. Waring: So, most of the studies that showed benefits of alcohol on heart health were observational studies, which is another way of saying it's not the most reliable data. And, cardiovascular benefits seen in those studies were more likely related to other lifestyle factors, like following a mediterranean diet and staying active in your routine, and not really a direct benefit from alcohol use.
Conner: Based on all of this new research and information, what do you tell your patients then who ask about heart health and alcohol consumption?
Dr. Waring: I let them know that they shouldn't try to start drinking if they don't drink. That they are not going to gain any benefit by drinking alcohol. And then if they are already drinking alcohol, I say that sticking to the two drinks a day for men, one drink for women seems to be reasonable for now. However, there is newer data suggesting that even this should be reduced if possible. And, if they have serious risks for heart disease, even consider avoiding alcohol altogether.
Conner: Doctor Waring, thanks for this update about alcohol consumption and heart health.
Dr. Waring: You're welcome.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
