Red Wine Links to Heart Disease Prevention

A fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Hartmuth Bittner, MD, PhD, is a medical doctor focusing on cardiothoracic disease. In April 2021, Dr Hartmuth Bittner joined Cardiac Surgery Associates (CSA) in Lafayette, Indiana. CSA is a team dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients and promoting healthy living, including encouraging prevention measures that help lower heart attack risk.

Researchers have studied the relationship between the consumption of alcoholic beverages, such as wine, and human health over the years. Results from the studies show some compounds in wine, such as resveratrol, a natural antioxidant found in the skin of grapes, lowers bad cholesterol, helping to keep the heart healthy. According to the American Heart Association, oxidative stress correlates with many diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Oxidative stress results from an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, resulting in damage to many tissues.

Other studies suggest moderate consumption of alcohol reduces the formation of blood clots, raises good cholesterol, and may improve the function of the layer of cells that line blood vessels. Since red wine is fermented together with grape skin, its contents of useful compounds are higher than other alcoholic drinks. However, any type of alcohol should be taken in moderation and is not recommended for people with conditions such as high blood pressure, liver disease, or ulcers, among others.