Higher levels of high-density lipoprotein, or "good," cholesterol, are associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Specifically, HDL helps combat heart disease by preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries known as atherosclerosis. Moderate alcohol consumption, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as no more than two standard alcoholic drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, may reduce the risk of heart disease by influencing HDL levels. However, excessive or heavy drinking -- 15 or more drinks per week for men or eight or more weekly drinks for women -- provides no health benefits.
Alcohol Consumption and HDL Levels
Numerous randomized trials indicate that moderate daily alcohol intake significantly increases HDL cholesterol levels. Clinical research also links heavier drinking patterns to elevated HDL. A clinical investigation published in 2000 by "Circulation," the journal of the American Heart Association, concluded that alcohol consumption raises HDL levels in a dose-dependent manner, and other studies, including a study published in "Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research" in June 2008, and a study published in July 2002 in "Diabetes Care," have associated heavy drinking with increased HDL levels.
Excessive Drinking and Heart Health
While both moderate and heavy drinking contribute to higher HDL levels, only moderate drinking is associated with reduced risk of heart disease. Besides raising HDL levels, chronic heavy alcohol consumption also raises total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby promoting atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Heavy alcohol consumption may also damage heart health by increasing risk of hypertension, blood clotting disorders, stroke, heart muscle damage, cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Other Health Hazards of Heavy Drinking
In addition to its harmful effects on total cholesterol, blood triglycerides and other aspects of heart health, heavy drinking is also associated with increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver and oral cancers, as well as increased risk of liver disease and injury-causing accidents and violence. Elevated triglyceride levels from alcohol abuse can also lead to a painful inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis. Moreover, excessive alcohol use negatively impacts the brain and its function, causing brain tissue shrinkage and nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to dementia and cognitive impairment.
Recommendations
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine,to avoid the adverse effects of alcohol consumption on cholesterol and triglycerides, adults who drink alcohol should keep their intake within "moderate" levels of one-to-two standard alcoholic beverages per day. Per USDA standards, a drink is equal to 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine or 1.5 oz. of liquor. While moderate alcohol use has favorable effects on cholesterol, not everyone should drink. For example, for individuals with a family history of alcoholism or breast cancer, the risks of even moderate alcohol use may outweigh the benefits. Talk to your doctor about what safe alcohol use means for you.
References
- "Circulation"; Alcohol Consumption Raises HDL Cholesterol Levels by Increasing the Transport Rate of Apolipoproteins A-I and A-II; Elizabeth R. De Oliveira e Silva, et al.; 2000
- "Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Reserach"; HDL2 of Heavy Alcohol Drinkers Enhances Cholesterol Efflux From Raw Macrophages via Phospholipid-Rich HDL2b Particles; S.M. Makela, et al.; June 2008
- "Diabetes Care"; Relation of Drinking Alcohol to Atherosclerotic Risk in Type 2 Diabetes; Ichiro Wakabayashi, et al.; July 2002
- Linus Pauling Institute; Alcoholic Beverages; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; January 2004
- Johns Hopkins Health Alerts: High Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
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