ABSTRACT
In 1974 Klatsky et al.1,2 reported a clear relationship between alcohol consumption and decreased risk of heart attack after taking into consideration smoking habits. Two decades later, Maclure3 in a meta-analysis of cohort studies demonstrated a reduced risk
of myocardial infarction (MI) in individuals consuming 2 to 3 drinks per day, when compared to nondrinkers. This reduction in risk of MI has been observed in high-risk populations such as diabetics,4 older individuals, individuals with ischemic leftventricular dysfunction,5 or individuals with prior year MI.6
