Are There Downsides to Moderate Alcohol Consumption?
The proposed health benefits of alcohol consumption must be evaluated against the adverse effects of alcohol consumption, which include fetal alcohol syndrome, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, hemorrhagic stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, and sudden death. Most of these adverse effects are associated with long-term alcohol consumption with chronic intake of >3 servings of alcoholic beverages per day. Acute alcohol consumption may also have effects on the cardiovascular system that are primarily related to the negative inotropic and proarrhythmic effects of alcohol. Alcohol consumption should never be considered as a preventive measure for teenagers or young adults; automobile accidents, trauma, and suicide are leading causes of mortality in this age group, and use of alcohol can contribute to their incidence. Alcohol is an addictive substance, and adverse effects of drinking occur at more moderate levels in some individuals. An individual s risk for developing alcoholism is difficult, if not im
