RELATION BETWEEN ALCOHOL INTAKE, LIPOPROTEINS AND CORONARY HEART-DISEASE - THE INTEREST CONTINUES

This paper reviews the much discussed association between alcohol inta ke, lipoproteins and coronary heart disease (CHD). Epidemiological stu dies have consistently shown an inverse trend between low to moderate alcohol consumption and CHD. Such a protective effect of alcohol again st atherosclerosis has been associated with the elevated concentration of HDL-cholesterol induced by alcohol. However, the underlying mechan isms whereby alcohol drinking enhances HDL-cholesterol levels are not yet fully clear. Various lifestyle variables, namely diet, smoking, hy pertension, body mass index and exercise, can affect the lipoprotein s tatus in both users and non-users of alcohol.