Mixed

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of initial presentation for several cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, heart failure, ischaemic stroke, peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm) compared to abstinence, but heavy drinking increases the risk for most of these same conditions.

Moderate alcohol consumption is linked to a lower risk of some heart conditions compared to not drinking at all, but this benefit disappears and becomes harmful at heavy levels. Heavy drinking increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, and early death. The apparent benefit of moderate drinking is often overstated because studies that lump 'former drinkers' (who quit due to illness) with 'lifelong abstainers' make non-drinking look riskier than it is. For health, abstinence is a safe and valid choice; moderate drinking is not a prescribed treatment.