Heart Association Revives Theory That Light Drinking May Be Good For You
- Reference: 0180493441
- News link: https://science.slashdot.org/story/25/12/31/2014258/heart-association-revives-theory-that-light-drinking-may-be-good-for-you
- Source link:
> For a while, it seemed the notion that [1]light drinking was good for the heart had gone by the wayside, debunked by new studies and overshadowed by warnings that alcohol causes cancer. Now the American Heart Association has revived the idea in a scientific review that is drawing intense criticism, setting off a new round of debate about alcohol consumption. The paper, which sought to summarize the latest research and was aimed at practicing cardiologists, concluded that light drinking -- one to two drinks a day -- posed no risk for coronary disease, stroke, sudden death and possibly heart failure, and [2]may even reduce the risk of developing these conditions .
>
> Controversy over the [3]influential organization's review has been simmering since it was published in the association's journal Circulation in July. Public health groups and many doctors have warned on the basis of recent studies that alcohol can be harmful even in small amounts. Groups like the [4]European Heart Network and the [5]World Heart Federation have stressed that even modest drinking increases the odds of cardiovascular disease.
"It says in all our guidelines right now, 'If you don't drink, don't start.' There's not enough evidence to suggest conclusively that it prevents heart disease," said Dr. Mariell Jessup, the chief science and medical officer at the heart association, adding that the review was not meant to serve as a guideline and that the group's advice to patients has not changed.
Critics argue that suggesting any heart-health benefits from alcohol is dangerous given its well-documented risks, and they accuse the heart association of selectively weighing studies. They also say a past tie to the alcohol industry by one author should have disqualified him from participating.
"The cardiovascular benefits of moderate drinking are questionable at best," said Dr. Elizabeth Farkouh, an internist and alcohol researcher. "But even if there was a benefit, there are so many other ways to reduce cardiovascular risk that don't come with an associated cancer risk."
The new review's conclusion is also at odds with the CDC's guidance on alcohol, which notes that "even moderate drinking may increase your risk of death and other alcohol-related harms, compared to not drinking." It also seems to diverge from the heart association's diet and lifestyle recommendation to consume "limited or preferably no alcohol," along with its 2023 statement that recent research suggests there is "no safe level of alcohol use."
[1] https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2025/08/moderate-alcohol-consumption-drinking-health-benefits-impacts-research
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/health/alcohol-heart-disease-cancer.html
[3] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001341
[4] https://ehnheart.org/news-events/news/press-releases/ehn-launches-new-position-paper-on-the-impact-of-alcohol-consumption-on-cardiovascular-disease/
[5] https://world-heart-federation.org/news/no-amount-of-alcohol-is-good-for-the-heart-says-world-heart-federation/
It's probably research affected by undue influence (Score:3)
Alcohol consumption is a highly popular entertainment activity in the US.
The last thing anybody wants to be told Is an activity they highly enjoy is a danger to them in ANY amount.
Drinking lightly or in moderation is not enough to mitigate the risk.
Because of this; there is likely an Undue influence by people who drink within the organization.
The first stage of grief is denial, and attempt to rationalize a way that it isn't true;
Even if you are a researcher, or a person in charge of studies and papers, and
you should know better.
My immediate suspicion is that there are people conducting research or decisions for that organization who are at that stage.
Sounds like BS paid-for spin (Score:1)
One cherry picked meta review does not reality make. The issue with the previous studies that concluded that moderate drinking was beneficial was based on their flawed study design. The studies asked participants whether they currently drank, and as a result got a lot of participants who had heart issues but didn't drink at all. They failed to consider that many of the interviewed participants didn't drink ANYMORE. Many had stopped drinking completely on doctors' recommendations for their health, after bing
Here is the thing (Score:2)
You cannot actually avoid alcohol. A lot of foods contain it naturally. Hence it is always a question of what amount does what and not one of completely staying away from it.
In other news... (Score:3)
Just saw this recently, [1]Health minister says Canada can’t rely on U.S. health institutions anymore [ctvnews.ca].
[1] https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/health-minister-says-canada-cant-rely-on-us-health-institutions-anymore/
New Years! (Score:2)
Whoo hoo! Happy New Year! *Grabs the whiskey bottle and cigar and heads to watch fireworks.*
I have a related theory. (Score:2)
That says complaining about my drinking too much can be bad for your health.
Drug week for the new year (Score:2)
It's drug day on Slashdot. Choose your new addiction now! First nicotine patches, now alcohol. Wait for the upcoming article about LSD microdosing.