What does the American Heart Association suggest regarding alcohol consumption and CVD risk?

The recommendation from the American Heart Association regarding alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk emphasizes the importance of either abstinence or moderation. This approach is based on research that suggests excessive alcohol intake can lead to several health issues, including high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and an increased risk of stroke, which ultimately contribute to cardiovascular disease.

While some studies have indicated that moderate alcohol consumption may have potential benefits for heart health, these benefits do not outweigh the risks associated with heavy drinking or binge drinking. Therefore, promoting either complete avoidance or limited consumption serves to protect individuals from the adverse health effects associated with alcohol.

Moderation is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. This guideline helps delineate the boundary where potential benefits may exist without crossing into harmful consumption levels.