Mixed
Genetically predicted lower alcohol consumption is causally associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and ischaemic stroke, refuting the observational hypothesis that light-to-moderate alcohol intake is cardioprotective.
Current observational advice suggesting light-to-moderate drinking protects the heart is likely incorrect. Genetic evidence indicates that reducing alcohol intake, even for those who drink moderately, lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. The safest level of alcohol consumption for cardiovascular health is zero or minimal.
Individuals with a genetic variant associated with non-drinking and lower alcohol consumption had a more favourable cardiovascular profile and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease than those without the genetic variant. This suggests that reduction of alcohol consumption, even for light to moderate drinkers, is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Why this rating
Mendelian randomization using a large consortium (N=261,991) minimizes confounding and reverse causality, providing high causal inference strength.
Source
Association between alcohol and cardiovascular disease: Mendelian randomisation analysis based on individual participant data
Michael V. Holmes et al. · BMJ · 2014
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