Keeping your heart healthy usually involves sacrificing some of life’s indulgences.
But researchers have some good news for those who love a glass of bubbly. They say that drinking champagne – and white wine – seems to drive down the risk of a cardiac arrest.
Less controversially, the researchers say staying cheerful and eating more fruit also appears to protect the heart, while feeling ‘fed up’ is bad for you.
Nicholas Grubic, of the University of Toronto, said the study casts doubt on the long-held belief that red wine is better for you than white. ‘Research on the underlying mechanisms remains unclear, but these findings reinforce the idea that the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption may be more complex than previously assumed,’ he added.
The researchers, from Fudan University in Shanghai, looked at the health data of more than 500,000 middle to older-aged individuals in the UK. Of these, 3,147 had a cardiac arrest during a follow-up period of around 14 years. The study concluded that nearly two-thirds may be avoidable, and identified 56 risk factors.
Researchers have some good news for those who love a glass of bubbly. They say that drinking champagne – and white wine – seems to drive down the risk of a cardiac arrest. Pictured: File photo
Nicholas Grubic, of the University of Toronto, said the study casts doubt on the long-held belief that red wine is better for you than white. Pictured: File photo
These include lifestyle choices and socio-economic status.
However, a higher consumption of champagne or white wine, more fruit, maintaining a positive mood, staying a healthy weight and keeping blood pressure under control were found to give the biggest boost to heart health. The study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, backed up other research showing that ‘fed-up’ feelings, high body mass indexes and high blood pressure all increased the risk.
Study author, Dr Huihuan Luo, said: ‘We found significant associations between various modifiable factors and sudden cardiac arrest, with lifestyle changes being the most impactful in preventing cases.’
