Wine and heart health
ByHeart rate variability (HRV) measures the changes in time intervals between the beats of the heart. Decreased HRV has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and death.
A study of female heart attack survivors completed in 2005 showed that HRV was highest in those who drank 5 or more grams of alcohol a day, equivalent to more than half a standard unit, and lowest in those who drank no alcohol at all. Further analysis showed that the type of alcohol consumed was important. HRV was highest among women who drank wine, even after taking account of other influential factors, such as age, weight, and smoking habit. Beer and spirits had little impact on HRV. Perhaps the favorable effects on HRV may be one of the reasons why wine protects heart health.
