RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Alcohol and health: A drink a day won’t keep the doctor away
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 945
OP 953
VO 70
IS 11
A1 Charles S. Lieber
YR 2003
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/70/11/945.abstract
AB We should not advise patients to start drinking alcohol for its alleged cardiovascular benefits. The negative effects of alcohol are well established, and the evidence of alcohol’s benefits comes mainly from epidemiologic studies that were not well controlled for other influences, such as lifestyle factors. Moreover, we have other means of lowering cardiovascular risk that are safe and proven. Those who are healthy and whose drinking history shows little risk of developing alcohol dependency may continue to drink moderate amounts. Heavy drinkers should be advised to quit.