Gulp: Alcohol may not be good for your heart

The so-called “French paradox” suggests that light consumption of alcohol (typically in the form of wine) may actually promote cardiovascular health — or at least reduce the risk of heart disease.

But a new study posits that genetic predisposition may be more strongly associated: People inclined to drink more are also more likely to develop high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Exercise and diet better explain cardiovascular health than how many alcoholic drinks are consumed.