Few things can change your life as quickly as a heart attack... and for many survivors, it's a wake-up call--a sign to make some changes, or you may not be so lucky during your next emergency room visit.
But some people go too far with those changes, because a new study finds that patients who quit drinking after a heart attack may be doing more harm than good.
It's more evidence of how alcohol isn't just an acceptable indulgence for healthy people--but how a daily drink or two can play an important, and even vital, role in overall good health.
Researchers followed 325 moderate drinkers for several years after they suffered a heart attack, and found that those who kept right on drinking were more likely to have better physical function.
Those who quit drinking, on the other hand, didn't just deprive themselves of a good (and tasty) habit... they also had worse physical function.
Overall, 84 percent of the patients were smart enough to keep drinking after their heart attack, while the other 16 percent were scared straight... or at least scared sober.
Their loss, because the study also found that drinkers had a lower death rate over three years and fewer hospitalizations--although much of that difference disappeared when the researchers adjusted for other risk factors.
The better long-term physical function, however, remained no matter how many adjustments the researchers made.
The researchers say their study isn't proof that alcohol helped these patients live better... but when you consider all the other evidence that links good booze to good health, it's hard to believe there's not a solid connection here.
Remember, just keep it moderate--a couple of drinks a night is enough to enjoy yourself and reap the benefits. Regular heavy drinking is as bad as--or even worse than-- complete abstention.
And booze isn't the only drink that can help give your heart a lift. Another new study finds that coffee can help heart patients avoid the complications that often come after serious problems.
European researchers looked at 374 patients who had either survived a heart attack or suffered some other acute coronary event, and found that one or two cups of coffee each day helped those with normal blood pressure to avoid left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
You might not recognize that name--but it's something you really want to avoid. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or LVSD, is a condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood very well, and often leads to heart failure.
Like I said, it's bad news.
There's one caveat here: Those daily cups of mud only helped those with normal blood pressure. Hypertension patients actually had a higher risk of LVSD when they drank coffee, according to the study presented at a European Society of Cardiology meeting in Prague.
But if you have normal blood pressure, there's no reason not to keep enjoying your favorite cuppa jo in the morning.
Just remember, when it comes to heart health, these good drinks are like bookends: a cup of coffee in the morning, followed by your favorite boozy drink at night.
On a mission for your health,
Ed Martin
Editor, House Calls
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