Open AccessMechanisms of protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption on the cardiovascular system
Author(s) -
Branko Jakovljević,
Katarina Paunović,
Goran Belojević,
J Vesna Stojanov
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.135
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 2406-0895
pISSN - 0370-8179
DOI - 10.2298/sarh0410334j
Subject(s) - medicine , alcohol , alcohol consumption , environmental health , epidemiology , population , alcohol intake , consumption (sociology) , physiology , biochemistry , social science , chemistry , sociology
Consumption of alcoholic beverages has been known in many cultures since the ancient civilizations, so harmful consequences of excessive alcohol intake have been well explained. Many epidemiological studies confirmed lower morbidity and mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases in persons who drink alcohol "moderately" (1-2 drinks a day), independently of the kind of alcoholic beverage. This paper presents the review of molecular mechanisms that are believed to explain cardioprotective effect of moderate drinking--alcohol effects on lipoproteins, endothelial cells, blood clot formation and dissolution, as well as genetic and gender variances modifying the relation. A simple recommendation regarding the increase of alcohol consumption cannot be made on population level. The professionals must therefore concentrate on other preventive methods in order to reduce other significant risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.