New research suggests that drinking white wine and champagne could help reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Experts have found that thousands of cardiac arrests might be prevented by addressing health and lifestyle factors.
The study revealed that higher consumption of champagne or white wine, eating more fruit, maintaining a positive mood and keeping a healthy weight appeared to protect against cardiac arrest.
Keeping blood pressure under control was also identified as a protective factor.
Drinking champagne and white wine could reduce the risk of cardiac arrest
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Higher education levels appeared to be correlated with a lower risk of cardiac arrest, while poor sleep and insufficient exercise may increase the risk.
The latest study identified 56 risk factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest.
Researchers analysed data from 502,094 middle-to-older aged people in the UK Biobank.
Of these participants, 3,147 suffered sudden cardiac arrest during an average follow-up period of 13.8 years.
The risk factors identified included lifestyle choices, socio-economic status, and environmental factors such as exposure to air pollution.
The authors concluded that between 40 and 63 per cent of sudden cardiac arrest cases may be preventable when considering all 56 risk factors.
Lifestyle interventions were found to account for the most significant burden, prompting researchers to call for increased public awareness campaigns.
Lead investigator Dr Huihuan Luo, from Fudan University in Shanghai, said: "The study found significant associations between various modifiable factors and sudden cardiac arrest, with lifestyle changes being the most impactful in preventing cases."
One of the study's most surprising findings challenges long-held assumptions about alcohol and heart health.
In an accompanying editorial, Nicholas Grubic from the University of Toronto and Dakota Gustafson from Queen's University in Ontario highlighted this unexpected result.
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Researchers concluded that between 40 and 63 per cent of sudden cardiac arrest could be prevented
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They noted: "One of the study's most intriguing findings is the cardioprotective effect associated with Champagne and white wine consumption, questioning long-held assumptions about the specificity of red wine's cardioprotective properties.
"Research on the underlying mechanisms remains unclear, but these findings reinforce the idea that the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption may be more complex than previously assumed."
A cardiac arrest is an emergency medical situation that usually occurs without warning. Victims suddenly collapse, become unconscious, and stop breathing normally.
UK figures indicate that approximately 30,000 cardiac arrests occur annually outside hospital settings where emergency services attempt resuscitation.
Anyone witnessing a cardiac arrest should call 999 immediately. They should start CPR and ask bystanders to locate a defibrillator if one is available nearby.
