Heart association revives theory that light drinking may be good for you

The American Heart Association (AHA) is stirring up debate with a new scientific review that suggests light drinking may offer some cardiovascular benefits. This comes after many health organizations have highlighted the dangers of alcohol, even in small amounts, including an increased risk of cancer.

The AHA's review, published in its journal *Circulation* in July, aimed to provide cardiologists with an overview of recent research. It concluded that consuming one to two alcoholic drinks daily poses no increased risk of coronary disease, stroke, sudden death, or potentially heart failure. In fact, it suggested that light drinking might even reduce the likelihood of developing these conditions.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. this conclusion has faced criticism from public health groups and doctors who emphasize that even moderate alcohol intake can be harmful. Organizations like the European Heart Network and the World Heart Federation have pointed to studies showing that even modest drinking elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The debate also involves conflicting government reports. The Trump administration, anticipating new dietary guidelines, withdrew a report in September that highlighted the link between alcohol and at least seven types of cancer. That withdrawn report had indicated that the risk of oral and esophageal cancers begins to increase with just one drink per day. Instead, the administration is relying on another report that found moderate drinkers had a lower risk of heart attacks and overall mortality compared to those who abstain from alcohol. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. that report also acknowledged a higher risk of breast cancer for women who consume alcohol.

Dr. Mariell Jessup, the AHA's chief science and medical officer, clarified that the review focused specifically on cardiovascular disease, aligning with the organization's core mission. She emphasized that the review is not intended as a guideline and that the AHA's advice to patients remains unchanged. "If you don't drink, don't start," Dr. Jessup stated, adding that there isn't sufficient evidence to definitively prove that alcohol prevents heart disease.

Critics argue that even hinting at potential heart health benefits is risky, given the well-established dangers of alcohol consumption. They have also questioned the AHA's methodology in selecting and interpreting the studies included in its review. Dr. Elizabeth Farkouh, an internist and alcohol researcher, stated that the cardiovascular benefits of moderate drinking are, at best, questionable. She further noted that even if there were a benefit, numerous other ways exist to reduce cardiovascular risk without incurring an associated cancer risk.