Is Drinking Ever Good for Heart Health?

The short answer is: sometimes.

Light to moderate drinking has been shown to improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Additionally, alcohol can help to thin blood and prevent blood clots, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

However, drinking too much alcohol can damage the heart and lead to several health problems, including heart disease, cardiomyopathy (an inflammation of the heart muscle), high blood pressure, stroke, and liver disease. Additionally, excessive drinking can lead to obesity and diabetes, which could further increase the risk of heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends that women drink no more than one drink per day and men no more than two drinks per day. For people who already have heart disease or other health conditions, it's best to avoid alcohol altogether.

Additionally, people who take medications that interact with alcohol should avoid drinking alcohol altogether. Some of these medications include antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and certain chemotherapy drugs.