Moderate Drinking Not Harmful for Older Adults With Heart Failure

A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests people older than 65 who are newly diagnosed with heart failure can drink moderate amounts of alcohol without exacerbating their condition, reports EurekAlert . The researchers found survival for moderate drinkers, averaging seven or fewer drinks per week, was just over 12 months longer than abstainers. The extended survival resulted in an average of 383 days and ranged from 17 to 748 days. The most benefit appears to be derived from drinking 10 drinks a week. The implication is that moderate drinkers can continue to have one serving of alcohol per day if they are women and two if they are men. Due to the lack of a clear cause and effect mechanism, the researchers did not conclude that moderate drinking is actively protective. However, this does not suggest abstainers should start drinking after a heart failure diagnosis.