Excessive alcohol consumption

You may have heard that alcohol – particularly red wine – is good for your heart.  But drinking too much of any type of alcohol can increase your blood pressure and contribute to the development of heart disease and stroke.

There is some evidence that people who drink moderately have a somewhat lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who do not drink or who drink excessively.  However, if you really want to have an impact on your heart health, you're better off eating a healthy diet, being physically active by doing moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for 150 minutes a week, and becoming smoke-free.

If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one or two standard drinks a day, to a weekly maximum of nine for women and 14 for men.*

One drink equals:

• 341 mL / 12 oz (1 bottle) of regular strength beer (5% alcohol).
• 142 mL / 5 oz wine (12% alcohol).
• 43 mL / 1 1/2 oz spirits (40% alcohol).

Moderate your alcohol intake

• Talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol.
• If you have high blood pressure, limit your alcohol use and speak to your doctor about alcohol.
• If you don't drink, don't start.
• If you do drink, wait at least one hour between drinks, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or juice.
• Avoid drinking excessively or getting drunk.

* These guidelines do not apply if you have liver disease; mental illness; are taking certain medications; have a personal or family history of drinking problems; have cancer; are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant; are breastfeeding; or are told not to drink for legal, medical or other reasons. If you are concerned about how drinking may affect your health, talk to your doctor.

Last reviewed: March 2011.