One alcoholic drink a day could be enough to increase the risk of heart disease, according to research contradicting claims that low to moderate consumption has a protective effect.
Although the research doesn’t actually say that – this is the usual spin put on by journalists. The study’s conclusion:
Individuals with a genetic variant associated with non-drinking and lower alcohol consumption had a more favourable cardiovascular profile and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease than those without the genetic variant. This suggests that reduction of alcohol consumption, even for light to moderate drinkers, is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
So, not quite the same as:
One alcoholic drink a day could raise risk of heart disease, study finds
So, if you have the relevant gene, the study suggests that you might have a lower likelihood of suffering cardiovascular disease, which is somewhat different to the screeching temperance headlines. The whole thing is riddled with coulds and maybes and even the authors of the report are acknowledging that further research is necessary because, well, it’s a fairly small sample and there are other variables going on that would need to be eliminated before coming to the conclusion that it is alcohol that is causing the increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease in moderate drinkers.
And, frankly, even if they did prove that, so what? People will want to drink for the pleasure it gives them. I ride a motorcycle knowing full well that I am taking a higher risk than if I drive the car. I choose to take this risk because I have balanced it against all relevant factors. It is more practical, I enjoy it, I don’t get stuck in traffic and so on. That’s what free choice is all about. And those people who choose to drink do so knowing that it may cause them health problems later on – or it might not. So be it.
It would be nice if the health lobby and their useful idiots in the press gave it a rest…
Well, at least I know I don’t have that gene or I’d certainly be dead by now…
My father was teetotal and he died of a heart attack at 61. Keep taking the statins! 😉
…the authors of the report are acknowledging that further research is necessary…
And there you have it, the raison d’être of the whole exercise.
The phrase ‘further research is necessary’ can be freely translated as “we would like more taxpayer money so we can continue to pay the mortgage and drive a nice car while wasting our time on useless research, the results of which will be seized upon by the fruitcakes to try to drive through yet more restrictive legislation”.
Indeed. As a professional geneticist I can tell you that it’s all bollocks. The interaction of genes and environment is a complex mix which often defies rational analysis. And as you rightly point out, life is inherently risky, and enjoyable because of it. Anyway, tonight in defiance of my doctor’s advice, I’m going to drink more than my allotted 6 units…….
Gah.
Really, what part of “it’s none of your business” do these toads not understand?