New Research on Alcohol and Heart Health
The Heart Foundation has released updated advice based on the latest research, and the findings may surprise you. While moderate drinking was once considered safe, new evidence shows that any amount of alcohol increases the risk of heart disease.
The Heart Foundation’s New Advice
For years, there was a common belief that drinking alcohol in moderation—especially red wine—could be beneficial for heart health. However, recent research has strengthened the link between alcohol and heart disease, leading to the Heart Foundation’s new recommendations:
- If you don’t drink, don’t start.
- If you do drink, the less, the better.
That being said, around 4 out of 5 New Zealand adults choose to drink, so rather than cutting it out completely, the focus for many should be on reducing intake and making mindful choices.
How Alcohol Affects Your Heart
Drinking alcohol affects your heart in multiple ways:
- Increases blood pressure – High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. Around 20% of New Zealand adults have high blood pressure.
- Raises the risk of irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation) – This condition can lead to serious complications like stroke and heart failure.
- Impacts heart function – Alcohol can damage the endothelium, a thin layer of cells lining the heart and blood vessels, affecting circulation.
- Contributes to other health conditions – Beyond heart disease, alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of cancers, including bowel and breast cancer.
Is Red Wine Really Good for Your Heart?
The idea that red wine is heart-healthy comes from the Mediterranean diet, where small amounts of wine are traditionally consumed with meals. It’s true that red wine contains antioxidants like resveratrol, but the latest research confirms that all types of alcohol—whether wine, beer, cider, or spirits—still increase the risk of heart disease.
The reality is that the risks of drinking outweigh any potential benefits from antioxidants, which can be obtained from other heart-healthy foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens.
It’s easy to overlook how alcohol affects our heart health, especially when drinking is so common in social settings. But small, mindful changes can make a big difference. Whether you choose to cut back, switch to alcohol-free alternatives, or go alcohol-free altogether, every step towards reducing alcohol can support your heart health and overall well-being.
