How many cigarettes are there in a bottle of alcohol? A recent study showed that drinking equivalent of 1 bottle of wine per week (4 drinks) increased risk of cancer in women and in men. The overall absolute increase in cancer risk for one bottle of wine per week equals that of five (men) or ten cigarettes per week (women).
This article along with the recently published article about relationship between alcohol and hypertension raises an important question – is alcohol really as safe as we think?
We have all been led to believe, including by our cardiologists that “alcohol is good for your heart”. But is it good for your overall health? Or for your heart? Could alcohol be contributing to the recent atrial fibrillation epidemic?
Like the rest of us, I enjoy the occasional glass of wine or a pint of craft beer. Moderation is something that we can enjoy without causing harm. But the bar on moderation of alcohol keeps on shifting? I am struggling with what is the “correct” recommendation to give to patients!
More to come.