Alcohol: Problems and Solutions

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Moderate Alcohol Drinking Associated with Better Endothelial Function

The endothelium is the thin interior surface of blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction contributes to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, endothelial dysfunction is a risk factor for heart failure or heart attack.

In this cross sectional population-based study, endothelial function was assessed by means of flow-mediated dilation (FMD).

Moderate drinkers (those consuming up to two drinks per day of wine, beer or distilled spirits) had higher (more favorable) FMD scores than did alcohol abstainers Analyses adjusting for CVD risk factors including gender, race, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, Framingham risk scores and medications taken, there was a positive relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and favorable FMD among moderate alcohol drinkers.

Improving endothelial function may be yet another mechanism way by which the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages (beer, spirits and wine) contribute to better blood circulation and heart health.