Top Doc explains alcohol, heart disease and health benefits

April 29, 9:19 AMBeer ExaminerCharlie Papazian

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(AHD-ACRF) Atlas of Cardiovascular Risk Factors.  See reference below *

 "Study after study after study" -- now "over 100 of them" -- show moderate drinkers "less likely to have heart attacks" and "less likely to die from them," Dr. Arthur Klatsky told Brewers Assn this morning. Dr Klatsky is pioneer alcohol and health researcher who did some of most important studies on moderate drinking and reduced risk of coronary artery disease.

Results of those 100+ studies are "remarkably unanimous" from "all kinds of populations." The mechanism is also "pretty well established": alcohol raises HDL (good cholesterol), which Dr Klatsky says "explains 50% of benefit."  It's alcohol itself that "provides most of benefit." Benefits of antioxidants (in wine) are "not proven" and "wonder" substance resveratrol would have to be consumed in doses that amount to "500 liters of red wine a day."

Why do researchers focus on wine?  And why then the "persistence and prevalence" of belief that wine is more beneficial, asked Boston Beer chairman Jim Koch during questions and answer session.

Dr. Klatsky gave a detailed answer; the best we've ever heard. First he pointed to early international comparisons that showed better health in Mediterranean (wine drinking) countries, i.e. the French Paradox . He also noted a lot of "Francophiles" out there who believe "French culture is superior." Of course there was the "60 Minutes    " show on French Paradox.

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Then Dr. Klatsky really got going: "A lot of people doing the research are wine drinkers," he pointedly noted. So much research has become focused on wine that it is "more than a cottage industry, it is a McMansion industry." And lo and behold, when there are studies on wine, "the wine industry is not loathe to promote it." Finally he said it's a "catchy idea" and "people remember it."

Chart details: * (AHD-ACRF) Atlas of Cardiovascular Risk Factors  
Ch. 12 Fig. 21  24p6 W/ 19p6 D
Author: Arthur L. Klatsky, MD, Senior Consultant in Cardiology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Oakland, California, USA Editor: Tony Artist: WW