[Effects of alcohol. Besides its harmful health impact, are there any positive aspects of chronic alcohol consumption?].
It is well known that chronic alcohol consumption results in a great number of alcohol-associated diseases. In the past 15 years, data showing a protective effect of chronic alcohol consumption have been published, especially with respect to coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. Already small quantities of alcohol seem to have this protective effect which depends on various individual factors. This is specially pronounced in the elderly and in individuals with additional risk factors for coronary heart disease. An investigation of the German Ministry of Health has clearly shown that poor-risk doses of alcohol in healthy adults are <20 g alcohol per day in men and <10 g/day in women. Recommendations of the "German Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen" are based on these data. The present review tries to critically question the protective effect of alcohol on arteriosclerosis. A public recommendation of alcohol as a coronary therapeutic agent would create more damage than benefit. A recommendation of alcohol as protection against myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke cannot be given due to its potential damaging effect on various other organs. In addition, a regular daily administration of alcohol should not be recommended.
Meier
Patrick
P
Medizinische Klinik & Zentrum für Alkoholforschung, Lebererkrankungen und Ernährung, Krankenhaus Salem, und Universität Heidelberg, Germany.
Seitz
Helmut K
HK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D002423:Cause of Death; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis
D002784:Cholesterol