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."
19 August 2017
Fresh orange juice and leafy green superfoods like broccoli and kale could have a part to play in fighting cancer, according to a new study.
[more...]
18 August 2017
Relatives of older people receiving NHS care have raised concerns over some of the treatment.
17 August 2017
Older people are being "let down" when it comes to access to dental care, experts have warned.
16 August 2017
A charity has called for women who have been treated for breast cancer to be given better support once treatment ends.
15 August 2017
More people are being arrested over drunken behaviour on board flights and at airports, according to latest statistics.
12 August 2017
Labour has criticised the way in which cancer patients and their families have been treated under the Conservative Government.
11 August 2017
The precious metal, gold, is a familiar sight in jewellery adorning the body but it could also play a role in treating cancers that grow inside the body.
10 August 2017
Nashville is the capital of country and has for years attracted music-loving holidaymakers to its vibrant bars and venues.
09 August 2017
We've all seen self-driving cars in the news in recent years but would you step on board a passenger plane that didn't have a pilot?
08 August 2017
Marine experts have disagreed over the identity of the creatures that attacked the feet of a teenager who was relaxing in the sea in Australia.
05 August 2017
Medical bills which run into six-figure territory are "not uncommon" for British holidaymakers who end up needing emergency medical treatment abroad, travel insurers say.
04 August 2017
British Airways mixed fleet cabin crew will strike for a further two weeks this month, including the August bank holiday, in a long-running pay dispute.