Moderate alcohol use cuts risk of stroke
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Alcohol consumption in moderation may reduce the risk of strokes caused by blockage of blood vessels—the most common kind—a new study suggests.
Dr. Mitchell S. V. Elkind, of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, and colleagues examined whether moderate alcohol consumption has a protective effect on the risk of stroke in a mostly Hispanic population. The 3176 subjects were on average 69 years of age and were enrolled in the study between 1993 and 2001.
The researchers report in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke that alcohol use was assessed during in-person interviews and was categorized as none in the past year (reference group); moderate consumption (at least one drink per month in the past year but no more than two drinks daily); intermediate (more than two but less than five drinks daily), and heavy (at least five drinks daily).
One hundred ninety subjects experienced a first stroke over a follow-up period of around 6 years, and 172 of the strokes were caused by obstructed blood supply.
After accounting for established stroke risk factors, moderate drinkers had a 33 percent lower risk of stroke compared with those who consumed no alcohol in the past year.
“Although alcohol consumption should not be recommended to those who do not drink, because of its potential adverse effects, our data support the view, endorsed by national stroke prevention guidelines, that among those who are moderate drinkers, continued consumption may reduce stroke risk,” Elkind’s team concludes.
SOURCE: Stroke, January 2006.
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