(TDB) - The largest study yet carried out on the effect of alcohol on the heart has again shown that moderate consumption is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases.

Researchers at Cambridge University and University College London found that moderate drinkers are at a lower risk of diseases such as heart attack, angina and heart failure when compared to teetotallers.

Described as the “most comprehensive study to date”, the health records of nearly two million people from the ‘Cardiovascular research using Linked Bespoke studies and Electronic health Records’ (CALIBER) programme were used in the research, which saw the teams analyse the link between alcohol consumption and 12 different heart ailments. None of the people in the study had suffered from a cardiovascular disease when the study began. Furthermore, most were non-smokers, had a normal BMI and were diabetes free.

Sixty-two percent of people analysed also drank in line with the former government guidelines of 21 units a week for men and 14 for women.