Alcohol and heart disease - what’s the latest evidence?

New research highlights dangers of alcohol for women’s hearts

A new study finds 8 drinks a week linked with much higher risk in young and middle-aged women. 

You might remember that I told you last year that I enjoy a glass of red wine and that red wine is good for the gut microbiome. I also mentioned that there is considerable research that shows that red wine is protective against death from heart disease. 

While red wine is high in polyphenols, which likely confer this and other health benefits, other types of alcohol aren’t.  

And a new, large study from the US now points at even moderate amounts of alcohol increasing heart disease risk in women. 

Photo by Moritz Mentges

How much is too much? 

The research was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in March, so it’s not been published or reviewed yet, though it got the media excited. 

For the study, 432,265 men and women – aged between 18 and 65 who were patients of a large US healthcare insurance in California – were followed for an average of four years.