Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Placing New Data in Context

Anna G. Hoek, Sabine van Oort, Kenneth J. Mukamal, Joline W. J. Beulens

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: A clear link between excessive alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been established, but no consensus exists on the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on CVD. Recent Findings: A lower risk of coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction among moderate drinkers compared to abstainers has been consistently observed in epidemiological studies and meta-analyses of these studies. However, ambiguity remains on the effect of alcohol on other CVDs and all-cause mortality. Short-term randomized controlled trials (RCT) have identified potentially beneficial effects of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular risk factors, but studies investigating genetic polymorphisms that influence alcohol consumption (i.e., Mendelian randomization) have yielded inconclusive results. To date, a long-term RCT providing causal evidence is lacking but urgently needed. Summary: Triangulation of evidence from different study designs, including long-term RCTs, pragmatic trials and the evaluation of policy measures, combined will lead to the best available evidence.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)51-59
Number of pages9
JournalCurrent Atherosclerosis Reports
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Alcohol consumption
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Moderate drinking

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