Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
24 March 2017 07:33
Can drinking reduce your risk of a heart attack?
People who drink moderately are less likely to suffer a heart attack, according to a new study.
Researchers found those who drink a maximum of 14 units of alcohol per week benefit from a protective effect on their hearts compared with non-drinkers.
However, those who drink heavily face an increased risk of heart attack.
People who have suffered heart problems can arrange specialist medical travel insurance when planning a holiday.
Study shows fine line
Some 1.93 million Brits took part in the study, published in the British Medical Journal and authored by University of Cambridge and University College London.
It found moderate drinkers were less likely than non-drinkers to visit their doctors over angina, heart attacks, or heart failure.
This was also the case for ischaemic stroke and circulation problems related to a build-up of fat in the arteries.
However this trend isn't shared among heavy drinkers - those who drink over 14 units per week. These people are at an increased risk of heart failure, a cardiac arrest, ischaemic stroke and circulation problems caused by fatty arteries.
What the experts say
The authors said: "While we found that moderate drinkers were less likely to initially present with several cardiovascular diseases than non-drinkers, it could be argued that it would be unwise to encourage individuals to take up drinking as a means of lowering their risk.
"This is because there are arguably safer and more effective ways of reducing cardiovascular risk, such as increasing physical activity and smoking cessation, which do not incur increased risks of alcohol-related harm such as alcohol dependence, liver disease and cancer."
This sentiment was echoed by the British Heart Foundation.
Tracy Parker, heart health dietician at the charity, said: "It's important to remember that the risks of drinking alcohol far outweigh any possible benefits.
"And these findings are certainly no reason to start drinking alcohol if you don't already."
20 July 2018
Computer problems have hit British Airways operations at London's Heathrow Airport.
[more...]
19 July 2018
The flu vaccination does not appear to have been effective in protecting against so-called Aussie flu, figures show.
18 July 2018
Bowel cancer screening tests could also provide an insight into whether patients are at risk of other illnesses, a new study has revealed.
17 July 2018
France is still celebrating today after its national football team brought home football's biggest prize after a thrilling final in Moscow.
14 July 2018
Too many passengers heading abroad this summer will be travelling without adequate protection for when an airline goes bust, a new study has shown.
13 July 2018
The mother of Bradley Lowery has welcomed the news that a drug used to help treat her son will soon be made available for other patients on the NHS.
12 July 2018
British GPs have prevented thousands of strokes after learning how to better identify and treat a common heart condition, research has shown.
11 July 2018
London City Airport is considering lodging an application to increase flight and passenger numbers, its boss has revealed.
10 July 2018
Captain Harry Kane is leading England's unexpected bid for glory, and is hoping to inspire the next generation of footballers by going all the way in Russia.
07 July 2018
Experts have warned that a lack of rigorous testing of skin cancer detection apps is putting the public at risk.
06 July 2018
Easyjet has added to worries that travellers are set for a summer of chaos, revealing that nearly 1,300 flights were cancelled last month.
05 July 2018
Soaring temperatures across the UK have led to a surge of asthma sufferers calling a dedicated asthma helpline, a charity has revealed.