Despite observational studies that suggest that drinking lowers cardiovascular
risk, the possibility of confounding raises concerns about recommending alcohol
for heart health.10 Definitive data from trials are lacking to prove the cardiovascular
benefits of alcohol, and the harms associated with alcohol are well established7
(Fig. S1 and S2 in the Supplementary Appendix). For example, beverage
alcohol is a carcinogen, and even light drinking is associated with increased risks
of oropharyngeal, esophageal, and breast carcinomas.11 For people with a prior
alcohol-use disorder, young adults at low risk for cardiovascular disease, women
who are pregnant or trying to conceive, people with conditions that are caused or