Hi, Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol causes raised blood pressure which is one of the most important risk factors for having a heart attack or a stroke. Research suggests that small amounts of alcohol can have a protective effect on your heart. Alcohol appears to increase the level of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. This reduces the amount of fatty deposit (atheroma) which narrows coronary arteries and makes them more likely to clog. Alcohol can help prevent the formation of blood clots which can close off the arteries, causing a heart attack. It reduces the stickiness of platelets so they are less ready to clump together to form clots. Red wine has a high concentration of antioxidant substances called flavonoids & antioxidants help to prevent thrombosis. Regular(at least one day a week), and moderate alcohol intake throughout the week, is associated with a low risk of ischaemic heart disease. Only wine drinking is associated with a lower risk of hard coronary events. Regards Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. Mumbai