Effects of Red Wine Consumption on Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Hypertension and Lipid Profile Studies

Background

This review aims to elucidate the clinical impact of Red Wine (RW) on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) parameters and assess the relevant compounds in RW.

Methods

This review analyzed 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the impact of RW consumption on lipid profile and blood pressure. A comprehensive PubMed search was performed using the following keywords: “red” AND “wine” AND “humans” AND “hypertension” AND “lipids”. The studies included were published in English on PubMed between January 1, 2000, and February 28, 2023, and they were selected through a rigorous search and screening process.

Results

The review identified 13 studies focusing on hypertension and 16 studies examining lipid parameters. For hypertension, five studies reported a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), three studies reported an increase, and four studies reported a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), using RW types including standard RW, dealcoholized RW (DRW), and polyphenol-stripped RW (PSRW). Regarding lipid profiles, cholesterol efflux decreased in one study. Triglyceride (TG) levels increased in two studies and decreased in two studies. Total cholesterol (TC) levels increased in three studies and decreased in three studies. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels increased in two studies and decreased in two studies. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased in four studies and decreased in one study. The LDL/HDL ratio decreased in two studies. F2-isoprostane levels decreased in three studies and increased in one study. Lipid peroxidation decreased in two studies. Homocysteine (HCY) levels increased in one study.

Conclusions

Moderate RW consumption shows a mixed impact on blood pressure and lipid profile, influenced by ethanol and polyphenols such as resveratrol, flavonoids, and tannins. Short-term studies often report on the beneficial effects on SBP, DBP, and lipid profiles, particularly with standard RW, DRW, and PSRW. However, long-term observational studies show an increased risk of CVD associated with ethanol in RW.