Search resultsA 42-year-old man considering whether to drink alcohol for his health
Title
A 42-year-old man considering whether to drink alcohol for his health
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2010
Authors
Journal
JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association
Volume
303
Issue
20
Pagination
2065 - 2073
Date published
2010
ISBN
00987484 (ISSN)
Keywords
adiponectin, Adult, alcohol, alcohol consumption, Alcohol Drinking, article, biological marker, Cardiovascular Diseases, case report, Chronic Disease, clinical feature, Evidence-Based Medicine, fibrinogen, health status, heart protection, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, human, Humans, ischemic heart disease, male, pathophysiology, prasterone sulfate, priority journal, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, risk benefit analysis, triacylglycerol, United States
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is widespread and, in excess, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. At the same time, a consistent body of observational evidence has found that individuals who consume alcohol within recommended limits have a lower risk of coronary heart disease than do abstainers. These observations have led many to consider small amounts of alcohol as a cardioprotective strategy. Mr Q, a 42-year-old man who has consistently sought ways to preserve his health, is at a crossroads in his discussions with his physicians about the health effects of his regular, limited alcohol intake. The discussion reviews the epidemiology of drinking in the United States, the established effects of moderate alcohol intake on key pathophysiological biomarkers and pathways, the strengths and limitations of observational evidence linking alcohol intake to lower risk of coronary heart disease, other chronic diseases linked to moderate alcohol intake, and a framework in which Mr Q can discuss the potential risks and benefits of alcohol consumption with his physicians.