ALCOHOL AND CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE

Alcohol affects the heart and circulation in several ways. Chronic alc ohol consumption can be associated with a variety of cardiovascular di sorders, ranging from hypertension and stroke to heart failure and sud den death. At the same time an inverse correlation has been found betw een moderate drinking and incidence of coronary artery disease, perhap s due to its favourable effects on lipoprotein levels. Reports on acut e effects of alcohol on coronary circulation, which may be of great si gnificance in patients with pre-existing heart disease, have been cont radictory. However, clinical studies have demonstrated an adverse effe ct of acute alcohol intake in low to moderate doses on coronary supply -demand relation in patients with angina pectoris. Considering the ove rall health hazard of alcohol consumption, a recommendation that patie nts increase their alcohol intake or that they start to drink if they do not already would probably be unjustifiable.