Thursday, February 16, 2012

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Oliver Rodrigues asks

Q: Is alchohol in moderate quantity good for stable angina ?

I get burning sensation for a few seconds whenever I over exert or carry a heavy bag or climb staircase.

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1/14/09 2:10pm

Hi Oliver,

 

Generally, I do not recommend alcohol as a method to treat heart conditions.  If you have high triglycerides, alcohol is not beneficial.  However, if your HDL is low a moderate intake of alcohol (specifically red wine) may help increase levels.

 

I recommend you read these two posts and the info specific to alcohol:

 

Tips on How to Raise Your HDL

Triglycerides: Why they matter and how to lower them

 

Taking steps to improve cholesterol levels and reduce arterial inflammation will reduce angina; however, the burning sensation you are experiencing may be heartburn.  If you are suffering from heart burn, alcohol will make the situation worse.  Alcohol relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (little flap that prevents stomach acid from creeping up into the esophagus) and makes reflux more common.

 

Discuss your symptoms with your MD to determine the best treatment option.

 

All the best,

 

Lisa Nelson, RD

Diet to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

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