Why is moderate alcohol consumption associated with a decreased risk of heart disease? Who can benefit most from these effects?

Answer 1

Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. More than a dozen research studies have demonstrated a consistent, positive correlation between moderate alcohol consumption and decreased incidence of heart disease. The protective effect of alcohol is the result of increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol removes cholesterol from the lining of artery walls and carries it back to the liver for excretion. Alcohol also inhibits blood from forming clots, reducing risk of death from heart attack. This anticlotting effect of moderate drinking reduces the risk of thrombotic or ischemic stroke (blockage of blood vessel in the brain) but increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (rupture of a blood vessel within the brain). Deaths reduced by moderate alcohol consumption are generally found in age groups with high rates of coronary heart disease—in other words, in people 45 years and older.