Author’s note: here we begin Part II. This was necessary due to
GoArticles restriction on article length, this being completion of first section, Part I.How alcohol might protect heart
There are several plausible biological mechanisms by which modest alcohol consumption might lower coronary heart disease risks. In short term, alcohol can reduce formation of blood clots that block arterial bloodflow (leading to heart attacks) by diminishing blood platelet aggregation and altering action of fibrinogen (an enzyme necessary for clotting). The immediate action of alcohol is antithrombitic -- decreasing blood's clotting power in much same way that ASA (Aspirin) protects against heart attacks. In long run, modest alcohol intake gradually curtails build-up of atherosclerotic plaque on artery walls and helps raise levels of high-density lipoproteins -- HDL or "good" cholesterol -- which removes cholesterol from bloodstream and eliminates it via liver. Alcohol may also help preserve vitamin E and other antioxidants in cell membranes.
Narrow "window of benefit” for alcohol drinkers
The influence of alcohol in reducing heart attacks occurs only within a narrow range or small "window" of modest consumption. Cardiac protection from alcohol only occurs with low-level drinking -- at intakes of two or fewer drinks per day (and not every day) and only in people over age 35-40.
Women's are much more sensitive to alcohol
Although fewer women than men are heavy drinkers, women are more susceptible to damage from alcohol at lower levels. At a given dose per body weight, women suffer more harmful effects than men, except, of course, for knowns benefits of a glass of beer a day during pregnancy – but only for “some” women, not for all women “across board”. Pregnant women advised to refrain from drinking
Except as noted previously, and then only on advice of your doctor, women who drink alcohol while pregnant, especially more than one drink a day, can harm developing fetus. Pregnant women are advised to abstain from alcohol (except as previously noted) because of risk of birth defects and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Even though some medical professionals recommend moderate drinking for some few patients, health authorities in general do not encourage drinking in any amount.
Beware slippery slope of addiction
Addiciton – status of having become alcohol-dependent. Some people who start with one or two glasses a day, gradually increase this amount until they are consuming many drinks a day with all attendant consequences. Some reach a "point of no return" where they find it impossible to cut back or do without their (several) daily drinks. There is a real risk factor involved in consumption of alcohol and that is “Addiction” – becoming an alcoholic!
