Champagne could reduce risk of cardiac arrest, study suggests
The moderate consumption of white wine and Champagne could lower the risk of a sudden cardiac arrest, according to a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.
There is mounting evidence that a moderate degree of alcohol intake can be good for cardiovascular health, and the newly-published study further supports this view.
The files of 502,094 middle-to-older aged individuals from the UK Biobank were analysed to understand factors which might be linked to incidences of sudden cardiac arrest.
Lead investigator Dr Huihuan Luo of Shanghai’s Fudan University said: “The study found significant associations between various modifiable factors and sudden cardiac arrest, with lifestyle changes being the most impactful in preventing cases.”
The research suggested that between 40% and 63% of cases of sudden cardiac arrest can be avoided by taking 56 risk factors into account, including diet, lifestyle choices such as smoking and work.
“One of the most intriguing findings is the protective association conferred for Champagne and white wine consumption, questioning long-held assumptions about the specificity of red wine’s cardio-protective properties,” the write-up of the study noted.
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The general view has been that the moderate intake red wine could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly due to the presence of polyphenols. However, the lower polyphenol concentration in Champagne and white wine suggests that it may be a more complex picture than previously understood.
Other factors
The potential health benefits of moderate Champagne and white wine consumption wasn’t the only surprise from the study.
“Unexpectantly, exposome-wide analyses revealed an inverse relationship between time spent using a computer and sudden cardiac arrest risk. Given the well documented risks of sedentary behaviour, this may seem paradoxical,” the study revealed.
“However,” it continued, “rather than implying a protective effect of screen time itself, this association is likely confounded by underlying socioeconomic and cognitive engagement factors.”
If socioeconomic factors are also at play, it might be inferred therefore that the link between Champagne consumption and lower risk could also tie in to the monetary wealth of the individuals examined.
There is also a connection between mental health and heart conditions, with a feeling of being “fed up” connected to higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
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