While most people are aware that reduced alcohol consumption can do wonders for one’s heart, not many people are aware that this is also true even for light to moderate drinkers. This is about to change, however, as recent studies have proven that alcohol consumption, regardless of the level, can actually put the heart at a disadvantage.
In the past, the American Heart Association (AHA) has recommended moderation when it comes to one’s alcohol intake. By “moderation”, AHA means about one to two glasses for men and a glass for women. It is believed that anything more than the said numbers could lead to hypertension, obesity, and stroke. Aside from that, past studies have also revealed that red wine can be quite helpful when it comes to reducing the risk of developing certain heart diseases especially since it was known to contain anti-oxidants. It is also a proven fact that red wine is able to increase the HDL, otherwise known as the good cholesterol, in one’s system.
Recent studies, however, have shown that, regardless of the amount of alcohol one takes on a regular basis, a reduction to strictly not taking any at all could lead to a 10% lesser chances of developing coronary heart diseases. These people are also found to have lower blood pressure and lower body mass index. The said multi-center study was co-conducted by Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania and involved more than 150 researchers from such parts of the world as UK, Europe, North America, and Australia. It covered around 260,000 respondents, all of European descent.
Aside from putting into question the long held belief that moderate alcohol intake poses very little harm to the body, the study also showed that a particular gene actually made it possible for some people to consume about 17% lesser amount of alcohol to none at all. Because of the lesser as well as absence of alcohol intake, the said group of people had about 10% lesser chances of developing certain heart problems. The specific gene found by the researchers seems to be related to the breakdown of alcohol in the body. With the said gene present, the body is able to breakdown alcohol at a faster level compared to those who are not carrying the said gene.
Now, while the study indicates that lesser to no alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of heart diseases, it is still good to note that, without proper diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, the possibility of developing certain heart diseases can still be significant. Having said that, one should try to make sure that there is always a balance in one’s activities as well as in what one consumes on a daily basis.
When it comes to heart diseases, your best move would be to come prepared. Having said that, one of the many ways you can prepare yourself is by making sure that you know how to perform a CPR. You can do this by availing of the various CPR training available in your area. Citywide CPR is one of the institutions that you can go to in order to avail of such training.
