EHN position paper on the impact of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease

Key Insights from the Position Paper

• No Protective Effect: Contrary to popular belief, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support a protective effect of low-to-moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular health in general, or heart health in particular.
• Significant Risk Factor: Alcohol consumption, especially above low amounts, is identified as an important risk factor for a range of serious cardiovascular conditions, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
• Leading Cause of Mortality: Cardiovascular disease is the leading category of alcohol-attributable mortality in the EU. Europe also has the highest rates of alcohol consumption globally, with approximately 290,000 deaths each year in the EU attributed to alcohol-related causes, including at least 50,000 CVD deaths.
• Economic Burden: Alcohol-related harm places a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems, with an estimated €125 billion annually in the EU.
• Vulnerable Populations: Disadvantaged and vulnerable populations experience higher rates of alcohol-related death and hospitalisation, highlighting significant health inequalities.

EHN Recommendations for Policy Makers

In light of these critical findings, the European Heart Network urges EU policy makers to implement stronger measures to protect public health. Our key recommendations include:

• Product Labelling: Introduce mandatory, front-of-pack energy labelling and ingredients lists on all alcohol products, along with clear health warnings informing consumers of the risks.
• Increase Prices: Raise minimum excise duties on alcoholic beverages to the highest possible level and introduce minimum unit pricing.
• Reduce Availability: Establish a harmonised legal minimum age for purchase (online and offline) and drinking of alcohol products at 18 years across the EU.
• Stop Promotion: Adopt legislative measures banning the marketing of alcohol products (online and offline) to children and young people (under 18 years).
• End Subsidies: Modify the common agriculture policy (CAP) to cease promoting the production of alcohol products.