Low to moderate amounts of alcohol reduce cardiovascular risk, while larger quantities raise it

Jan 19 2005

Women see a slightly higher health benefit over men from alcohol consumption according to twelve separate studies reviewed in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. However, more studies are needed to determine if there are more significant results from either wine, other spirits or beer.

“Our study confirmed the so-called ‘J shape curve’: low to moderate amounts of alcohol reduce cardiovascular risk, while larger quantities raise it,” states Dr. Giovanni de Gaetano, corresponding author of the article published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. “We did not observe statistically significant differences between men and women, although a small advantage of women over men at the lowest amount of alcohol could be seen.”

This study is the first to compare men and women in relation to alcohol effectiveness in lowering cardiovascular risk. The article states that the overall moderate effect of wine may be favorable in postmenopausal women, in whom the protective effect on cardiovascular events might overcome the risk of breast cancer. Further evidence is needed to assess this important issue.