Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is responsible for an estimated 50,000 CVD deaths every year in the EU. Despite popular belief, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption protects against cardiovascular health. On the contrary, research confirms that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke.
The burden of alcohol-related harm is particularly severe in Europe, which has the highest rates of alcohol consumption globally. CVD remains the leading category of alcohol-attributable mortality in the EU, and disadvantaged and vulnerable populations face the greatest harm. The economic burden is equally significant, with alcohol-related harm costing EU health systems an estimated €125 billion annually.
EHN advocates for stronger EU action to reduce alcohol-related harm and to build healthier environments across Europe.
In June 2025, the European heart network published the EHN position paper on the impact of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease. This comprehensive paper challenges long-held beliefs and provides a critical overview of the latest evidence regarding alcohol and heart health was developed based on extensive research and literature review conducted by Dr. Tim Stockwell and his colleagues.
We encourage all stakeholders, policy makers, health professionals, and the public to read the full EHN position paper to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial public health issue and the evidence-based recommendations put forth by the European Heart Network.
Infographics are available to provide a quick visual overview of the key findings.
Read the Press Release
At the European public health level, the European Heart Network collaborates with the European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare) —a network of public health organisations advocating for evidence-based policies to reduce alcohol-related harm. Their focus includes mandatory labelling and health warnings on alcoholic beverages, taxation, and restrictions on marketing that particularly targets young people.
Together, and in partnership with other public health organisations, they participate in the FILTERED Project (From sILos To synErgies to pRevEnt ncDs). The primary goal of the FILTERED Project is to stimulate collaborative advocacy, health promotion, action, and accountability at both European and national levels aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It specifically targets risk factors such as alcohol-related harm, tobacco use, and the consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks.