Summary

The 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Statement, Alcohol Use and Cardiovascular Disease, summarizes the current research on the association of alcohol use and cardiovascular disease. Key details are listed below.

The American Heart Association’s recommendations on alcohol use

  • If you currently don’t drink alcohol, don’t start.
  • If you choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake: ≤ two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one alcoholic drink per day for women.

Defining a Standard Drink

In the United States, a standard drink includes about 0.6 oz (14 g) of alcohol. Alcohol by volume varies among beverage types; therefore, a standard drink equivalent differs by beverage type.

  • 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol by volume or ABV)
  • 5 ounces of wine (12% ABV)
  • 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (40% ABV) or 1 ounce of 100-proof liquor (50% ABV)

*ABV indicates alcohol by volume.

How Drinking Alcohol Affects Health

  • Any level of alcohol consumption carries potential health risks, and the effects can vary based on individual factors such as age, genetics and overall health.
  • Although some studies have indicated small amounts of red wine may be linked to improved heart health, no research has proven a direct cause-and-effect link between drinking alcohol and better heart health. The American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain potential health benefits.
  • Alcohol consumption, even in moderation (1–2 drinks/day), may worsen high blood pressure for people who already have high blood pressure.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption (2-4 drinks per day) and binge drinking (≥5 drinks per day for males or ≥4 drinks per day for females, if consumed within approximately 2 hours) are consistently associated with significant cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
  • Some studies have linked alcohol consumption to an increased risk of cancer, including cancers of the liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, colorectal and breast.

Considerations for Consuming Alcoholic Beverages

  • Drinking in moderation or not at all can help minimize the health risks associated with consuming alcohol.
  • Other suggestions include having alcoholic beverages with meals to slow down the absorption of alcohol and alternating alcoholic beverages with nonalcoholic beverages.

Alcohol Use and Special Populations

  • Some people may be impacted differently by alcohol consumption, including women, older adults, people who binge drink or individuals with chronic health conditions such as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. 
  • For people with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake may be important to effectively manage these conditions. 
  • People of African or Asian ancestry may also experience different effects from alcohol due to genetic variations in alcohol metabolizing proteins. 

Some People Should Not Drink At All

  • People taking over-the-counter or prescription medications that interact with alcohol,
  • Patients with a medical condition that can be made worse by drinking (such as heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension or liver disease),
  • Individuals younger than the legal drinking age,
  • Anyone planning to drive a vehicle or operate machinery, and
  • Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Please consult with your physician or healthcare team about what is best for your health. 

Helpful Links:

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective:214-706-1173; AHAcommunications@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org