The evidence that alcohol consumption is significantly cardioprotective is growing but inconclusive. If one or two drinks daily provides some beneficial effects, then these effects are modest. Most important, only those at higher risk for coronary heart disease may benefit. Thus individuals aged 20–40 should not use alcohol for cardioprotection, because these individuals are at low risk for heart disease. Individuals from age 40 to 80 with a strong family history of heart attack before age 60 and presence of hypertension or diabetes may obtain some protection, but studies have not provided a clear analysis. In any event the protection is expected to be approximately 10% risk reduction versus approximately 33% with use of statins to lower LDL cholesterol levels. It is noteworthy that trials on antioxidants such as beta-carotene have been shown to be noncardioprotective. The antioxidants in alcohol are unlikely to be sufficiently protective for individuals at high risk. Individuals at risks for coronary heart disease are advised to take medications that have been shown in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to decrease mortality and cardiac events and not to rely on alcohol or herbal remedies that offer modest protection, if any at all.

Страницы: 1 | 2

Buy tabacco glass pipe & many more from our store.