Modest Alcohol Consumption May Lower Stroke Risk

In that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has been consistently associated with lower risk of heart disease, but data for stroke are less certain, Monik Jimenez, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Massachusetts, USA) explored its role in stroke prevention.  The researchers followed 83,578 female participants of the Nurses’ Health Study who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease and cancer at baseline, for 26 years. Data on self-reported alcohol consumption were assessed at baseline and updated approximately every 4 years, whereas stroke and potential confounder data were updated at baseline and biennially.  The team found that the risk of total stroke was significantly lower among light-to-moderate consumers of alcohol than among subjects reporting no alcohol intake. In comparison with non-drinkers, the estimated risk was 17-21% lower for women averaging up to 15 grams of alcohol per day (one drink/day by US definitions of approximately 14 grams of alcohol, or two UK units of 8g). For consumers of larger amounts of alcohol, the risk of stroke increased at levels of consumption above 38g.