Some studies have shown that adults who drink light to moderate amounts of alcohol may be less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not drink at all or are heavy drinkers. However, people who do not drink alcohol should not start just because they want to avoid developing heart disease. In fact, drinking too much alcohol can be bad for your heart health. Even one drink a day can raise blood pressure.
The American Heart Association also says that no one should drink alcohol for the reason of improving their health.
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There is a fine line between healthy drinking and risky drinking. Do not begin drinking or drink more often with the intention of lowering your risk of heart disease. This does not work. Heavier drinking can harm the heart and liver. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people who drink too much alcohol.
Health care providers recommend that if you drink alcohol, drink only light to moderate amounts:
- For men, limit alcohol to 1 to 2 drinks a day.
- For women, limit alcohol to 1 drink a day.
One drink is defined as:
- 5 ounces (150 milliliters, mL) of wine
- 12 ounces (360 mL) of beer
- 1 1/2 ounces (45 mL) of 80-proof spirits
There are much more effective ways to prevent heart disease, including:
- Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol
- Getting at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of aerobic exercise every week
- Following a healthy diet with a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy oils, little to no added sugar and sodium, and little or no alcohol
- Not smoking
- Maintaining an ideal weight
Anyone who has heart disease or heart failure should talk to their provider before drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make heart failure and other heart problems worse.
Alternative Names
Health and wine; Wine and heart disease; Preventing heart disease - wine; Preventing heart disease - alcohol
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References
American Heart Association website. The American Heart Association diet and lifestyle recommendations. www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/aha-diet-and-lifestyle-recommendations. Updated March 31, 2026. Accessed April 21, 2026.
Dietary guidelines for Americans 2025-2030. realfood.gov. Accessed May 7, 2026.
McLean, RC Goldberg LR. Cardiovascular effects of drugs and toxins. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, et al, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 90.
Mora S, Libby P, Ridker PM. Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, et al, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 23.
Review Date 4/10/2026
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.