L'alcool, facteur protecteur ou facteur de risque pour les maladies cardiovasculaires ?

Alcohol may exert both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular system. Several factors may modulate these effects, among which, most importantly, the daily dose but also consumption modalities (type of beverage, regular or hectic consumption, for instance). Many epidemiological studies showed a J curve, with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease in non-consumers compared with light to moderate regular drinkers, but with a higher risk in heavy drinkers, in a dose-dependent manner. This article analyses the complex relationships between alcohol consumption and the risk of coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, including cardiovascular mortality. Owing to the remaining uncertainties, in absence of controlled trials, and the difficulty not to overcome the positive threshold, it is not currently recommended to drink alcohol in order to benefit of a cardiovascular protection.