Michael H. Criqui

Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to reduced mortality from coronary heart disease in many medical studies. In the following viewpoint, Michael H. Criqui agrees that even if this is the case, promoting alcohol as a method of preventing heart disease is problematic for several reasons. Alcohol consumption is linked to increased risks of breast and colon cancer, stroke, cirrhosis, and motor vehicle accidents. In addition, it has a high potential for addiction. Recommending alcohol consumption to prevent heart disease would likely increase the number of people who become addicted to or other otherwise harmed by alcohol, he concludes. Criqui is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Family and Preventative Medicine at the University of California, San Diego.

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