Recent studies indicate that moderate drinking may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, including stroke. And while people with a history of stroke may have been advised by their physicians to avoid alcohol, a new study shows that light to moderate drinking may, in fact, benefit such patients. The results are published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Studying men with history of stroke

Using data from the Physicians' Health Study, researchers studied 1320 male physicians with a history of stroke. The participants filled out questionnaires that included information on their health histories and their frequency of alcohol consumption. During an average follow-up period of 4½ years, the researchers documented how many of the subjects had died from any cause, and specifically from cardiovascular disease.

Some drinking appears more protective than none

Of the 1320 subjects, 369 died, 267 of them from cardiovascular disease. Compared with men who rarely or never drank those who had one to six drinks a week had a 36% lower risk of death from all causes, and a 44% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. In calculating these findings, the researchers controlled for other factors that could affect the risk of death, including age and disease history.

How alcohol affects cardiovascular health

There are a variety of ways in which alcohol may play a role in cardiovascular health, including improving lipid levels and influencing the ways in which blood clots. Further research is necessary to elucidate these potential mechanisms of action.

In addition, it's important to note that this study was conducted in a relatively small group of older, white male physicians; therefore, the results cannot necessarily be generalized. However, the authors point out that other studies have found similar results in other groups.

A word of caution

Although several studies have found that light to moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, experts are careful when making recommendations to patients regarding alcohol. When deciding whether to consume alcohol or not, it's important to consider all the ways in which alcohol can affect your health. For example, heavy drinking can actually raise the risk for stroke, as well as for liver disease and some types of cancer. In addition, people trying to lose weight may find that the calories they consume in the form of alcohol may impede their efforts. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and how light to moderate drinking may affect your health.