Researchers have discovered ‘alcohol in moderation may lower stress-related risk’ of heart disease

Light to moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of heart disease because it leads to long-term reductions in stress signaling in the brain, new research claims. But this doesn’t meaning drinking should be the only solution to lower stress-related diseases.

“We are not advocating the use of alcohol to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes because of other concerning effects of alcohol on health,” said cardiologist Ahmed Tawakol, lead author of the study by investigators from Massachusetts eneral hospital.

A study published  in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, looked at 50,000 individuals enrolled in the Mass General Brigham biobank. Keeping aside genetic, clinical, lifestyle, and socioeconomic differences, a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease events in light to moderate drinkers.

After further examination, it was found that light to moderate alcohol consumption has longer-term neurobiological effects in dampening activity in the amygdala, which may have a significant downstream impact on the cardiovascular system. Among the 50,000 participants, light to moderate drinking was associated with nearly double the cardiac-protective effect in individuals with a history of anxiety compared with others.

Hearth attack risks are higher as overall alcohol consumption increases. The risk of cancer is also prevalent as soon as any amount of alcohol increases. The overall brain activity also faces a negative impact.