0
0
Introduction: A recent cohort study suggests that reducing alcohol intake from heavy to mild or moderate levels may significantly decrease the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Conducted among a large sample of South Korean adults, the study sheds light on the potential benefits of alcohol moderation for heart health.
Methodology: The research, led by Dr. Jin-Man Jung from Chungbuk National University College of Medicine in Chungju-si, Republic of Korea, analyzed data from 21,011 adults with heavy alcohol consumption at baseline. The participants, primarily men with an average age of 56, were part of the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening database.
Participants underwent health examinations between 2005-2008 and 2009-2012, and provided self-reported information via questionnaires. Heavy drinking was defined as consuming more than four drinks per day for men and more than three drinks per day for women.
The study categorized participants into two groups based on changes in alcohol consumption over time: sustained heavy drinking or reduced drinking. Various factors were considered, including demographics, health status, and laboratory results.
Key Findings: During the follow-up period spanning 162,378 person-years, participants who continued heavy drinking exhibited a significantly higher incidence of MACEs compared to those who reduced their alcohol intake (817 vs. 675 per 100,000 person-years).
Reduced alcohol consumption was associated with a remarkable 23% lower risk of MACEs compared to sustained heavy drinking. Secondary analyses further highlighted reductions in specific cardiovascular disease risks, including coronary artery disease, angina, stroke, and all-cause death.
Implications in Practice: The findings emphasize the importance of alcohol moderation, particularly among individuals with high alcohol intake. The study suggests that habitual changes in heavy alcohol consumption over a period of 10 years may yield significant cardiovascular benefits.
According to the authors, the cardiovascular advantages of reduced alcohol intake became increasingly evident approximately three years after initiating behavioral changes related to alcohol consumption.
Limitations and Disclosure: Limitations of the study include reliance on self-reported alcohol intake and the exclusive focus on South Korean participants, which may impact the generalizability of the findings. However, the study was supported by various institutions in Korea, with no reported conflicts of interest.
Conclusion: The study underscores the potential cardiovascular benefits of reducing alcohol consumption from heavy to mild or moderate levels. These findings may inform public health strategies aimed at promoting heart health and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases globally.
