ALCOHOL AND CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE

Alcohol affects the heart and circulation in several ways. Chronic alcohol consumption can be associated with a variety of cardiovascular disorders, ranging from hypertension and stroke to heart failure and sudden death. At the same time an inverse correlation has been found between moderate drinking and incidence of coronary artery disease, perhaps due to its favourable effects on lipoprotein levels. Reports on acute effects of alcohol on coronary circulation, which may be of great significance in patients with pre-existing heart disease, have been contradictory. However, clinical studies have demonstrated an adverse effect of acute alcohol intake in low to moderate doses on coronary supply-demand relation in patients with angina pectoris. Considering the overall health hazard of alcohol consumption, a recommendation that patients increase their alcohol intake or that they start to drink if they do not already would probably be unjustifiable.