Drinking and the prevention of coronary heart disease: findings, issues and public health policy.

Claims that the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages prevents coronary heart disease are reviewed in an analysis of recent literature. Reports of such claims in the mass media are found to be exaggerated and based on research that is less conclusive than is often suggested. The review of original research reveals evidence that certain levels of consumption bestow some benefits under some circumstances when compared with other levels of consumption, including abstinence. A number of methodological issues are raised, and suggestions are made for testing competing hypotheses that may explain the association between moderate drinking and lower rates of coronary heart disease. The investigators discuss the implications of these findings for public health policy and conclude that, on the strength of the available evidence, it would be unwise to alter either the scientific or public focus on the damage caused by alcohol or to support changes in policy that might make drinking more socially acceptable and thereby encourage higher levels of consumption.