In June 2025, the European Heart Network (EHN) published its position paper on the impact of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD). This comprehensive paper challenges long-held beliefs and provides a critical overview of the latest evidence on alcohol and cardiovascular health.
Despite widespread public perception, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption protects against cardiovascular disease (CVD).
On the contrary, research shows that even low levels of alcohol increase the risk of major CVD conditions, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. The risks rise with higher levels of consumption.
“We cannot stand by knowing that 50,000 people across Europe die from cardiovascular disease linked to alcohol every single year. This position paper dispels myths that alcohol can protect hearts and urges policymakers to adopt measures that tackle this devastating loss of life.” Dr Charmaine Griffiths, EHN President
“We cannot stand by knowing that 50,000 people across Europe die from cardiovascular disease linked to alcohol every single year. This position paper dispels myths that alcohol can protect hearts and urges policymakers to adopt measures that tackle this devastating loss of life.”
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, EHN President
At the EHN Annual Workshop in Stockholm (June 2025), EHN members formally committed to sharing this message across their national networks and throughout Europe by signing a collective pledge:
“EHN members pledge that alcohol consumption has no protective effect on cardiovascular health. We are committed to sharing this message across our national networks and throughout Europe.”
By signing the EHN Pledge Banner, members reaffirmed a vital, evidence-based message on alcohol and cardiovascular health:Alcohol has no protective effect on the heart – at any level.
The European Heart Network (EHN) is officially identifying alcohol consumption as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and this message will guide our policy and advocacy work across Europe.
The Alcohol & CVD Pledge was officially signed at the EHN Annual Workshop in Stockholm (June 2025) by the following organisations:
By signing, you are contributing to a shared call for change.
EHN formally recognises alcohol as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), challenging the persistent myth that moderate drinking offers cardiovascular benefits. The latest evidence shows that even low levels of alcohol increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and more.
Public health must come before profit. Let’s create environments that empower healthier choices and protect future generations.