Mixed
Genetically predicted lower alcohol consumption is associated with lower systolic blood pressure, lower inflammatory markers (IL-6, CRP), and lower non-HDL cholesterol, but does not significantly affect HDL cholesterol levels in a manner that explains cardiovascular protection.
Alcohol consumption negatively impacts blood pressure and inflammation, key drivers of heart disease. While alcohol may raise HDL cholesterol, this effect is inconsistent and likely not the primary reason for any perceived benefits. Reducing alcohol intake improves blood pressure and inflammatory markers, contributing to better heart health.
Rs1229984 A-allele carriers had lower systolic blood pressure (−0.88 (−1.19 to −0.56) mm Hg)... lower levels of interleukin-6 (−5.2% (−7.8% to −2.4%)), C reactive protein (−3.4% (−5.7% to −1.1%))... lower non-HDL cholesterol concentrations (−0.03 (−0.05 to −0.01) mmol/L)... There was no overall difference between rs1229984 A-allele carriers and non-carriers in HDL cholesterol concentration (−0.004 (−0.012 to 0.003) mmol/L).
Why this rating
Large sample size and robust genetic instrument provide high confidence in the biomarker associations.
Source
Association between alcohol and cardiovascular disease: Mendelian randomisation analysis based on individual participant data
Michael V. Holmes et al. · BMJ · 2014
DOI 10.1136/bmj.g4164
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