Alcohol and atherosclerosis

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is manifested as coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with reduction of CAD complications. Apparently, red wine offers more benefits than any other kind of drinks, probably due to flavonoids. Alcohol alters lipoproteins and the coagulation system. The flavonoids induce vascular relaxation by mechanisms that are both dependent and independent of nitric oxide, inhibits many of the cellular reactions associated with atherosclerosis and inflammation, such as endothelial expression of vascular adhesion molecules and release of cytokines from polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Hypertension is also influenced by the alcohol intake. Thus, heavy alcohol intake is almost always associated with systemic hypertension, and hence shall be avoided. In individuals that ingest excess alcohol, there is higher risk of coronary occlusion, arrhythmias, hepatic cirrhosis, upper gastrointestinal cancers, fetal alcohol syndrome, murders, sex crimes, traffic and industrial accidents, robberies, and psychosis. Alcohol is no treatment for atherosclerosis; but it doesn't need to be prohibited for everyone. Thus moderate amounts of alcohol (1-2 drinks/day), especially red wine, may be allowed for those at risk for atherosclerosis complications.

The atherogenic and metabolic impact of non-HDL cholesterol versus other lipid sub-components among non-diabetic and diabetic Saudis

“…This could be explained by the fact that Arabs, Saudis in particular, have a lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia than do their American and European counterparts [13]. In addition, we also considered the younger population used, together with the culture and lifestyle differences, one of which is the total prohibition of alcoholic beverages in the Kingdom, which can greatly alter the lipid and coagulation profiles of the subjects used [14,15]. As evidenced by the results of this study, decreased HDL-cholesterol levels may not be as powerful as the rest of their lipid counterparts when it comes to predicting CHD, but its contribution to the progression of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in the Saudi population is nevertheless equally important.…”

The Effect of Ethanol Exposure on Extraembryonic Vascular Development in the Chick Area Vasculosa

“…The vascular relaxation induced by low concentrations and moderate amounts of alcohol has been suggested as a potential protective mechanism for those at risk for atherosclerosis complications [DaLuz and Coimbra, 2001]. On the other hand, at higher concentrations, percutaneous ethanol injection has been used in the treatment of angiogenic diseases, such as tumors [Conte, 2000;Aguayo and Patt, 2001].…”

Doença coronária obstrutiva em hepatopatas crônicos que aguardam transplante hepático

“…However, in excessive amounts, alcohol leads to hypertension and an increased risk of arterial occlusion 12 . Despite this, alcohol consumption was not confirmed as a risk factor for CAD in the patients analyzed.…”

“…Furthermore, it is exacerbated by alcohol abuse 12 and it is often associated with diabetes 11 . As a general rule, lower blood pressure levels are found in cirrhotic patients 13,14 .…”

“…It would be expected that at least the alcoholic etiology stand out somehow, either by its beneficial effects by increasing HDL and reducing cardiovascular risk, either because its harmful effects, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of arterial occlusion 12 . However, alcohol consumption was not significantly different between the groups with or without coronary artery disease.…”