Alcohol and atherosclerosis

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências

Protasio L. Da Luz¹  Silmara R. Coimbra¹ 

[1] ,Universidade de São Paulo Instituto do Coração Unidade de AteroscleroseSão Paulo SP ,Brazil

关键词: alcohol;    coronary heart disease;    atherosclerosis;    stroke;    wine;    álcool;    doença cardíaca coronária;    aterosclerose;    derrames;    vinho tinto;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0001-37652001000100006

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

Atherosclerosis is manifested as coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with reduction of CAD complications. Apparently, red wine offers more benefits than any other kind of drinks, probably due to flavonoids. Alcohol alters lipoproteins and the coagulation system. The flavonoids induce vascular relaxation by mechanisms that are both dependent and independent of nitric oxide, inhibits many of the cellular reactions associated with atherosclerosis and inflammation, such as endothelial expression of vascular adhesion molecules and release of cytokines from polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Hypertension is also influenced by the alcohol intake. Thus, heavy alcohol intake is almost always associated with systemic hypertension, and hence shall be avoided. In individuals that ingest excess alcohol, there is higher risk of coronary occlusion, arrhythmias, hepatic cirrhosis, upper gastrointestinal cancers, fetal alcohol syndrome, murders, sex crimes, traffic and industrial accidents, robberies, and psychosis. Alcohol is no treatment for atherosclerosis; but it doesn't need to be prohibited for everyone. Thus moderate amounts of alcohol (1-2 drinks/day), especially red wine, may be allowed for those at risk for atherosclerosis complications.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
 All the contents of this journal, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License