One drink of wine, alcohol beneficial
Published: Feb. 15, 2008 at 10:40 PM
TORONTO, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- One drink of red wine or alcohol slightly benefits the heart and blood vessels, but the positive effects disappear with two drinks, a Canadian study found.
Researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital conducted a real-time study of 13 volunteers to determine whether a red wine with a verified high polyphenol content differed from alcohol in its effects on high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, showed virtually identical effects of red wine and alcohol on the specific markers tested.
After one drink of either red wine or alcohol, blood vessels were more "relaxed" or dilated, which reduced the amount of work the heart had to do. But, after two drinks, the heart rate, amount of blood pumped out of the heart and action of the sympathetic nervous system all increased, counteracting the beneficial effect of one drink of red wine or alcohol, the study said.
Study leader Dr. John Floras said any benefits found were not specific to red wine.
"Our findings point to a slight beneficial effect of one drink -- be it alcohol or red wine -- on the heart and blood vessels, whereas two or more drinks would seem to turn on systems that stress the circulation," Floras said in a statement.
Researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre of the Toronto General Hospital conducted a real-time study of 13 volunteers to determine whether a red wine with a verified high polyphenol content differed from alcohol in its effects on high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, showed virtually identical effects of red wine and alcohol on the specific markers tested.
After one drink of either red wine or alcohol, blood vessels were more "relaxed" or dilated, which reduced the amount of work the heart had to do. But, after two drinks, the heart rate, amount of blood pumped out of the heart and action of the sympathetic nervous system all increased, counteracting the beneficial effect of one drink of red wine or alcohol, the study said.
Study leader Dr. John Floras said any benefits found were not specific to red wine.
"Our findings point to a slight beneficial effect of one drink -- be it alcohol or red wine -- on the heart and blood vessels, whereas two or more drinks would seem to turn on systems that stress the circulation," Floras said in a statement.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Health:
Breaking up can be too much for teens
Latest Headlines
Most Popular
- Poll: Everyday civility declining in Utah
- Elderly blind man bowls perfect 300
- Dog owners flock to Fashion Island
- Alaska officials blow up old fireworks
- Parking ticket paid 31 years late
- Fla. woman hurt in collision with pelican
- Bar manager gets revenge for tagging
- Zambrano goes pink for Mother's Day