Department
of Podiatry - Vascular Assessment
Alcohol
Alcohol,
along with tobacco, is considered the most socially acceptable drug in
developed and third world countries (Hoffman, 1992). Consequently, there
has been much literature published and studies performed as to the benefits
and negative effects of consumption.
Whilst different studies show varying results, it is generally agreed
that excess alcohol consumption, alcoholism, is detrimental to one’s
health. Whilst the primary effects of chronic alcoholism are central nervous
system depression and cirrhosis of the liver, cardiomyopathy may also
develop (Anderson, 1999; Cotran, 1999). This is characterised by an enlarged
heart with very low cardiac output, and can be fatal.
Recently, studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption can actually
be good for the heart, raising high-density lipoprotein levels in the
plasma, which breakdown cholesterol formations on vessel walls and cardiac
tissue, reducing thrombus formation (Bowker et al, 2001).
Phil and
Stu say 'No' to alcohol:
Phil: "We
love the taste of beer, but hate to think what it is doing to our peripheral
vasculature"
Stu: "Chardonnay
Phil?"
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