If you consume Alcohol, drink in moderation. Alcohol consumption in moderate amounts has consistently been shown to prolong life and improve cardiovascular health.  “Moderate” is defined as one drink for women and two drinks for men on a daily basis.  One drink translates to 5 oz. of wine, 1 ½ oz, of distilled spirits and 12 oz. of light beer.  Red wine has lower sugar content than white wine and is higher in antioxidants and, therefore, a better choice. Drinking more alcohol increases such dangers as alcoholism, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, breast cancer, suicide and accidents. Also, it's not possible to predict in which people alcoholism will become a problem. Given these and other risks, the American Heart Association cautions people NOT to start drinking if they do not already drink alcohol. Consult your doctor on the benefits and risks of consuming alcohol in moderation.   If you have atrial fibrillation, alcohol consumption can increase the risk of recurrence.