ALCOHOL use can be a slippery slope. Moderate alcohol consumption may offer some health benefits but heavy use can have serious consequences. With the holiday season approaching accompanied by opportunities to get out, socialise and partake in the “spirits” of the season, let’s take a look at alcohol use and the heart.

The latest dietary guidelines make it clear that no one should begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits. So, don’t feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you do drink alcohol and you are healthy, there’s probably no need to stop drinking as long as you drink responsibly, and in moderation.

The evidence about the possible health benefits of alcohol isn’t certain. Here are some of the possible health benefits of moderate alcohol use.

* May reduce risk of developing and dying from heart disease.

* Possibly reduce risk of ischemic stroke (where the arteries that bring blood to the brain get blocked by a clot).

* Possibly reduce risk of diabetes.

WHAT IS MODERATE ALCOHOL USE?

Alcohol is a drug, and its benefits/harmful effects are dose dependent and also dependent on body size, and gender. For most healthy adults, moderate alcohol use is:

* For women of all ages and men older than 65 years — one drink a day; and

* For men aged 65 years and younger — up to two drinks per day.

WHAT CONSTITUTES ONE DRINK?

This is where it can get tricky, the volume of alcohol consumed is not up for debate. One drink is equivalent to:

* A 12 oz bottle of beer;

* Five fluid oz wine;

* 1.5 fluid oz distilled spirits (such as rum, vodka), up to 80 per cent proof.

BENEFITS OF MODERATE ALCOHOL USE

Moderate alcohol use may be of most benefit if you’re an older adult or if you have existing risk factors for heart disease. If you’re a middle-aged or younger adult, some evidence shows that even moderate alcohol use may cause more harm than good. You can take further steps to benefit your heart health besides drinking — such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising.

WHEN TO AVOID ALCOHOL USE

In certain situations, the risks of alcohol may outweigh the possible health benefits. Use alcohol with great care after consulting with your doctor if:

* You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant;

* You’ve been diagnosed with alcoholism or alcohol abuse or have a strong family history of alcoholism;

* You have disease of the liver or pancreas;

* You have heart failure or have been told you have a weak heart;

* You take prescription or over-the-counter medications that may interact with alcohol;

* You’ve had a type of stroke called haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain).

THE RISKS OF HEAVY ALCOHOL USE

Heavy alcohol consumption is defined as more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week for women and for men older than 65 years old, or more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week for men age 65 years and older.

Binge drinking — four or more drinks within two hours for women and five or more drinks within two hours for men — is also considered heavy drinking because of the potential harmful effects. These effects include:

* Certain cancers — breast, mouth, pharynx, oesophagus;

* Pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas;

* Sudden death — especially if you already have heart disease;

* Heart muscle damage — which can lead to heart failure;

* Stroke;

* Hypertension;

* Liver disease;

* Suicide;

* Accidental serious injury or death;

* Brain damage and other problems in an unborn child;

* Alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other effects on the nervous system, such as memory loss.

Dr Claudine Lewis is an adult cardiologist and medical director at Heart Smart Centre in Montego Bay. She is also a cardiologist at the Cornwall Regional Hospital and an associate lecturer with the University of the West Indies. Questions may be sent to questions@heartsmartcentre.com and for additional information call 684-9989 or visit the website www.heartsmartcentre.com.