The relationship between alcohol consumption and heart attacks continues to evolve. A recent article in the American Journal of Medicine indicates that those who currently do not consume alcohol may benefit from starting.

The medical records of nearly 8000 middle aged non-drinkers revealed that those who started drinking a “moderate” amount of alcohol (one drink per day or fewer for women and two drinks per day or fewer for men ) had 68% fewer heart attacks in the next few years. Of note, those who drank only wine had the most benefit. Drinkers of beer, liquor and mixed drinks had only a 21% improvement.

It may be that the improved HDL cholesterol levels in drinkers contributed to the decreased heart disease. Importantly, those who started drinking did not have increased blood pressure as has previously been suggested.

Death rate from heart disease did not improve in the drinkers; only, “hear health” did. Specifically, less chest pain and fewer heart attacks occurred in those who started drinking alcohol.

The benefits of alcohol must be weighed against the risks of its use. Alcohol can worsen liver and heart function, especially in those with already weakened systems. For some, limiting alcohol to moderate use may be difficult and complete abstinence is best.

The American Heart Association currently does not recommend people start drinking to prevent heart disease. Based on this new data and other studies suggesting alcohol prevents heart attacks, it may be time to reconsider the use of moderate alcohol, especially wine, in middle aged people at risk for heart attacks.