Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer across the globe, causing 20 million deaths every year. And drinking alcohol directly contributes to cardiovascular disease.
Yet for many years, the idea that alcohol, particularly red wine, is good for the heart has inundated our media, policy debates, and been spread by industry misinformation. Over the past decade, new study designs have improved our understanding, concluding with the World Heart Federation stating that: “Contrary to popular opinion, alcohol is not good for the heart”.
So which cardiovascular issues does alcohol cause? Why do observational studies suggest alcohol is good for the heart? And how has the alcohol industry tried to influence worldwide research on the topic?
Read the World Heart Federation’s policy briefing for more information: https://world-heart-federation.org/wp-content/uploads/WHF-Policy-Brief-Alcohol.pdf.