Population based (studies related to a specific group of inhabitants) and cohort studies suggest an inverse relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and CVD.  A consistent coronary protective effect has been observed for consumption of 1 to 2 drinks per day of an alcohol-containing beverage.  However, higher intakes are associated with increased mortality.  Most cohort studies do not support an association between the type of alcoholic beverage and prevention of heart disease.  However, a few have suggested that wine may be more beneficial than beer or spirits.

This information is from the 2001 Hyperlipidemia project.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.