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Coronary Artery Disease and Alcohol

British Columbia Specific Information

Canada now has national low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines with suggestions for minimizing the risks associated with drinking alcohol. Please read Canada's Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines from the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse for more information. For additional information about substance use, visit the following resources:

Individual, family, and small group counselling is available to people of all ages who are directly or indirectly affected by alcohol and other drug use by calling the 24-hour BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service. In the Lower Mainland, call 604-660-9382, or call toll-free at 1-800-663-1441 from anywhere in B.C. You may also search HealthLinkBC's FIND Services and Resources Directory, or contact your local health authority for mental health and substance use support in your area.

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Topic Overview

According to Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption (approximately one drink per day) appears to provide some protection for men and women over 45 years of age against some forms of heart disease.

If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. But if you do not drink alcohol, do not start drinking to try to lower your risk of heart disease. You have many other options that can lower your risk. These options include a healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking. Talk to your doctor about your heart and the benefits and risks of drinking alcohol.

Equivalents of 1 alcohol drink

Beer


341 mL (12 fl oz)


Wine


142 mL (5 fl oz)


Hard alcohol


43 mL (1.5 fl oz)

Drinking too much alcohol can be dangerous and can cause problems. Having more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for women or more than 3 drinks a day for men may:

    • Contribute to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
    • Increase your risk of stroke.
    • Directly damage heart muscle (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), which may weaken the heart, leading to heart failure.
    • Cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
    • Increase your risk of some cancers.
    • Interact with your medicines if you are being treated for heart disease (or other diseases or conditions).
    • Increase your risk of liver disease.

Related Information

References

Other Works Consulted

  • Brien SE, et al. (2011). Effect of alcohol consumption on biological markers associated with risk of coronary heart disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies. BMJ. Published online Feb 22, 2011 (doi: 10.1136/bmj.d636).

Credits

Adaptation Date: 11/7/2019

Adapted By: HealthLink BC

Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control