Beneficial Alcohol for the Heart
In the latest edition of Time magazine, Dr. Sanjay Gupta writes about the effects of alcohol consumption in excess of our cardiovascular system. One study involving a total of 25 patients showed that university excessive alcohol consumption is associated with high levels of a protein called CRP
Multiple clinical and epidemiological studies find that individuals who have a high level of CRP in the blood are more at risk for a heart attack in the future. Thus, according to this study, excess alcohol consumption could be associated with a higher degree of inflammation in the arteries of the heart (which is manifested in a high level of CRP) and an increased risk of heart attack . Learn more about CRP
The reality is that while this study is too small and should not be used to reach clinical conclusions, yes there are studies of greater depth and validity to show that alcohol in excess is bad for the heart. The excessive consumption is not only associated with a relatively higher level of CRP in the blood but an increase in blood pressure. A study published in the journal Circulation in 2003 found that individuals who consume alcohol in moderation are those who have the best cardiovascular profile –
In comparison with individuals who abstain and those who abuse, have the lowest level of CRP in the blood, which shows the absence of inflammation in coronary arteries.