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PERSPECTIVES IN PHARMACOLOGY

Alcohol Use, Vascular Disease, and Lipid-Lowering Drugs

1st Cardiology Department, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece (G.D.K., K.D.S., K.K.A.); and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Vascular Disease Prevention Clinics, Royal Free Hospital, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom (D.P.M.)

Many epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that light-to-moderate alcohol (Alc) consumption is associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and total mortality in middle-aged and elderly men and women. The plausible mechanisms for the putative cardioprotective effects include increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, prevention of clot formation, reduced platelet aggregation, promotion of blood clot dissolution, and lowering of plasma lipoprotein (a) concentration. Individuals who need to be treated with lipid-lowering drugs, such as dyslipidemic or CHD patients, may benefit from these effects of Alc. Because hypolipidemic treatment is usually continued for life, an important issue is the suitability of Alc consumption in these patients. In the present review, the beneficial effects of Alc consumption on CHD risk, its side effects, and its safety and suitability when coadministered with hypolipidemic drugs are discussed.

Address correspondence to: Dr. Genovefa D. Kolovou, 1st Cardiology Department, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 356 Sygrou Ave., 176 74 Athens, Greece. E-mail: genkolovou{at}mail.gr

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