Cholesterol and Alcohol

A major focus in the battle against heart disease is lowering cholesterol levels.

Not all cholesterol is unhealthy. There are two types of cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein ( LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" type that tends to clog your arteries; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" kind that helps sweep cholesterol deposits out of your arteries and protects against a heart attack.

Doctors recommend keeping your LDL cholesterol levels low (optimally less than 100 mg/dL), while boosting your HDL levels (60 mg/dL or higher). You may have heard that drinking a glass or two of red wine each day can help raise HDL levels and help reduce your risk of heart disease. It's true that alcohol has some heart-healthy benefits, but it's important to be cautious when drinking alcohol because it also has many health risks.

Alcohol Boosts HDL Cholesterol

A few studies have found that people who drink alcohol in moderation have lower rates of heart disease, and might even live longer than those who abstain.

In particular, red wine might offer the greatest benefit for lowering heart disease risk and mortality because it contains higher levels of natural plant chemicals -- such as resveratrol -- which have antioxidant properties and might protect artery walls.

Many believe that the main cardiovascular benefit of alcohol is through its ability to raise HDL cholesterol levels. Alcohol has also been tied to a lower risk of blood clots and decreased levels of inflammation markers.

Risks of Drinking Alcohol

Before you order a round of wine or beer and toast to your heart, know that the news about alcohol isn't entirely positive. Consuming too much alcohol can actually increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, raise blood pressure, contribute to obesity, and increase the levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood.

Excessive drinking also can lead to heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), irregular heartbeat ( arrhythmia), and stroke. Eventually, heavy alcohol use can leave the heart too weak to pump efficiently, a condition called congestive heart failure.

Drinking alcohol also has other downsides, including increased risk of some cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, and an increased risk of accidents. That's why the American Heart Association does not recommend that you start drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverages specifically to lower your cholesterol or improve your heart health. Instead, the organization advises watching your weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly to keep your cholesterol levels in check.

If you do plan to drink, check with your doctor first. Drink alcohol only in moderation -- meaning a glass of wine or beer a day for women, and a glass or two a day for men. Some people -- especially pregnant women and those who take certain medicines regularly -- should avoid alcohol entirely.