On 2017 Jul 01, David Keller commented:

A randomized, controlled trial of ethanol capsules for reduction of cardiovascular mortality is called for

The reduction of overall mortality observed with moderate regular ethanol ingestion is driven by the much larger and more significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality which is observed. The beneficial effects of moderate ethanol consumption on the lipid profile are significant, along with hypothetical benefits from antithrombotic and relaxation-inducing effects of ethanol. Many cardiologists have lamented the lack of quality data that would allow them to prescribe moderate alcohol intake to patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, and no elevated risk of addictive or hepatic adverse effects of alcohol. In addition, it is clear that the topical carcinogenic effects of ethanol on the gastrointestinal epithelium vary directly with the cytotoxic effects caused by ethanol concentration, with the greatest risk of esophageal cancers seen with high-proof beverages such as straight whiskey, and no significant elevation of risk due to comparatively dilute beer, with its 5% ethanol concentration causing little if any topical cytotoxicity.

I am calling for a randomized, placebo-controlled interventional trial of ethanol, taken at bedtime to reduce automobile accidents as a source of traumatic mortality, in persons at elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality. Expectation effects could be minimized by administration of the ethanol in capsules, several of which might be required. Oil of peppermint could be included in both the ethanol capsules and in the placebo, for further masking when belching or reflux occur.

We have been speculating and correcting observational data for long enough. If a randomized, controlled, interventional trial of ethanol proves to have powerful benefits in persons at high risk of cardiovascular mortality, then populations with average cardiovascular risk can be tested next. Such clinical trials are long overdue. The potential benefits of ethanol are substantial, if properly ascertained.

Reference

1: Vogel RA. Alcohol, heart disease, and mortality: a review. Rev Cardiovasc Med. 2002 Winter;3(1):7-13. Review. PubMed PMID: 12439349.

On 2017 Jul 01, David Keller commented:

A randomized, controlled trial of ethanol capsules for reduction of cardiovascular mortality is called for

The reduction of overall mortality observed with moderate regular ethanol ingestion is driven by the much larger and more significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality which is observed. The beneficial effects of moderate ethanol consumption on the lipid profile are significant, along with hypothetical benefits from antithrombotic and relaxation-inducing effects of ethanol. Many cardiologists have lamented the lack of quality data that would allow them to prescribe moderate alcohol intake to patients with elevated cardiovascular risk, and no elevated risk of addictive or hepatic adverse effects of alcohol. In addition, it is clear that the topical carcinogenic effects of ethanol on the gastrointestinal epithelium vary directly with the cytotoxic effects caused by ethanol concentration, with the greatest risk of esophageal cancers seen with high-proof beverages such as straight whiskey, and no significant elevation of risk due to comparatively dilute beer, with its 5% ethanol concentration causing little if any topical cytotoxicity.

I am calling for a randomized, placebo-controlled interventional trial of ethanol, taken at bedtime to reduce automobile accidents as a source of traumatic mortality, in persons at elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality. Expectation effects could be minimized by administration of the ethanol in capsules, several of which might be required. Oil of peppermint could be included in both the ethanol capsules and in the placebo, for further masking when belching or reflux occur.

We have been speculating and correcting observational data for long enough. If a randomized, controlled, interventional trial of ethanol proves to have powerful benefits in persons at high risk of cardiovascular mortality, then populations with average cardiovascular risk can be tested next. Such clinical trials are long overdue. The potential benefits of ethanol are substantial, if properly ascertained.

Reference

1: Vogel RA. Alcohol, heart disease, and mortality: a review. Rev Cardiovasc Med. 2002 Winter;3(1):7-13. Review. PubMed PMID: 12439349.