Can Drinking Alcohol Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease?

A glass of red wine with dinner is good for your heart — or is it?

For years, studies suggested that moderate drinking, especially red wine, might protect against heart disease.

But newer research has raised questions about those potential benefits.

Today, health experts agree that heavy drinking is harmful to heart health. The effects of light to moderate drinking are less clear, and even small amounts of alcohol can increase certain health risks, including cancer.

“For many people, abstinence from alcohol is the safest choice,“ says David Cork, MD, a cardiologist at Scripps Clinic. “Chronic alcohol use, especially alcohol dependence, can damage the heart muscle, and has been associated with heart rhythm abnormalities, such as atrial fibrillation, as well as congestive heart failure. It also has been associated with increased rates of heart attack and stroke.“

Alcohol can affect the heart in several ways, especially when consumed regularly or in large amounts.

A 2025 American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement found that heavy and binge drinking are consistently linked to worse cardiovascular outcomes.

Potential health problems include:

• High blood pressure
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib): An irregular heartbeat that increases stroke risk
• Heart failure: Heavy drinking over time can weaken the heart muscle
• Stroke: Excessive drinking raises the risk of certain types of stroke
• High triglycerides: Elevated levels of fat in the blood that can increase heart disease risk

The answer is still unclear.

Earlier studies suggested that moderate drinking might lower the risk of heart disease. However, researchers now question whether healthier habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking, helped explain those findings.

A 2022 study in JAMA Network Open found that heart risks increased as alcohol consumption rose. A 2024 National Academies report found that moderate drinkers had a lower risk of dying from heart disease, but it could not establish that alcohol was the reason.

The AHA’s 2025 review also concluded that more research is needed to determine whether moderate drinking offers any heart health benefits.

“There isn’t strong evidence for any health benefits of alcohol, especially for reducing the risk of heart disease or stroke,” Dr. Cork says.

The AHA does not recommend drinking alcohol to protect your heart.

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 recommend drinking less alcohol for better health but no longer specify daily limits.

The AHA recommends that adults who choose to drink limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. These limits do not guarantee safety.

One standard drink equals:

• 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol)
• 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol)
• 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits (40% alcohol)

Larger servings or stronger drinks may contain more than one standard drink.

Red wine contains antioxidants, including flavonoids, that may benefit health. However, there is no convincing evidence that drinking red wine prevents heart disease.

Many of these compounds are also found in grapes, berries and other plant foods, without the risks associated alcohol.

For better heart health, focus on proven habits such as eating well, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy blood pressure and avoiding tobacco.

Yes. Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers, event at relatively low drinking levels.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol increases the risk of:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Mouth and throat cancers
• Esophageal cancer
• Cancer of the voice box

When the body breaks down alcohol, it produces a harmful chemical that can damage DNA and increase cancer risk. Alcohol can also affect hormone levels, including estrogen, which may contribute to breast cancer risk.

In January 2025, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued an advisory warning about alcohol-related cancer risks and called for updated warning labels.

For some, avoiding alcohol is the safest choice, especially if you:

• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or alcohol-related heart problems
• Take medications that interact with alcohol
• Are recovering from alcohol use disorder

Those with a family history of alcohol use disorder should also be cautious.

If you’re breastfeeding, avoiding alcohol is safest. The CDC recommends waiting at least two hours after one standard drink before nursing.

Talk with your doctor if you're unsure whether alcohol is safe for you.

Drinking less alcohol can help lower blood pressure, improve sleep and reduce other health risks.

Campaigns such as Dry January and Sober October encourage taking a break from drinking. The growing interest in sober curiosity also reflects a broader shift toward drinking less or choosing not to drink.

“Cutting back on alcohol can enhance sleep, increase energy, improve mood, support better digestion and can dramatically aid in weight loss,” Dr. Cork says.

Benefits vary depending on drinking habits, overall health and how long alcohol consumption is reduced.

Small changes can help you reduce your alcohol intake:

Track your drinking: Notice how much you drink and what triggers the habit.

Set limits: Decide how much you’ll drink and include alcohol-free days.

Try alternatives: Choose sparkling water, nonalcoholic beverages or mocktails.

Take a break: See how reducing alcohol affects your sleep, energy and mood.

Find support: Ask a friend or family member to help you stay motivated.

Talk to your doctor: If cutting back is difficult, ask about counseling or treatment.