Association between alcohol consumption and carotid intima–media thickness in a healthy population: data of the STRATEGY study (Stress, Atherosclerosis and ECG Study)

TY - JOUR

T1 - Association between alcohol consumption and carotid intima–media thickness in a healthy population: data of the STRATEGY study (Stress, Atherosclerosis and ECG Study)

AU - Zyriax, B-C

AU - Lau, K

AU - Klähn, T

AU - Boeing, H

AU - Völzke, H

AU - Windler, E

PY - 2010/10

Y1 - 2010/10

N2 - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological evidence suggests a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular events. However, studies assessing the association between alcohol intake and intima-media thickness (IMT) as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis have provided inconsistent results. The aim of this analysis of the Stress Atherosclerosis and ECG Study (STRATEGY study) was to investigate the relation between alcohol intake and IMT in a selectively healthy population.SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, laboratory values, anthropometric data, nutrition habits and physical activity were assessed in 106 men and 107 women, evenly distributed between 30 and 70 years. Carotid IMT was determined by B-mode ultrasonography according to the standardized protocol of the Study of Health in Pomerania.RESULTS: In men, a significant positive correlation between daily alcohol consumption and IMT was observed (P<0.0001), whereas in women the positive correlation was not significant. The type of beverage consumed did not affect this finding. The mean IMT was significantly higher in men with an alcohol intake above the upper limit of 20 g/day than in men with an alcohol intake <20 g/day (P<0.001). According to a stepwise linear regression model adjusted for age, conventional risk factors, nutrition and physical activity, the IMT increases by 0.0253 mm per 21.4 g/day intake of alcohol in men (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The STRATEGY study revealed a positive association between alcohol consumption and carotid IMT in healthy men aged 30-70 years. This relationship remained significant after adjustment for nutrition, physical activity, anthropometry and conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

AB - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological evidence suggests a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular events. However, studies assessing the association between alcohol intake and intima-media thickness (IMT) as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis have provided inconsistent results. The aim of this analysis of the Stress Atherosclerosis and ECG Study (STRATEGY study) was to investigate the relation between alcohol intake and IMT in a selectively healthy population.SUBJECTS/METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, laboratory values, anthropometric data, nutrition habits and physical activity were assessed in 106 men and 107 women, evenly distributed between 30 and 70 years. Carotid IMT was determined by B-mode ultrasonography according to the standardized protocol of the Study of Health in Pomerania.RESULTS: In men, a significant positive correlation between daily alcohol consumption and IMT was observed (P<0.0001), whereas in women the positive correlation was not significant. The type of beverage consumed did not affect this finding. The mean IMT was significantly higher in men with an alcohol intake above the upper limit of 20 g/day than in men with an alcohol intake <20 g/day (P<0.001). According to a stepwise linear regression model adjusted for age, conventional risk factors, nutrition and physical activity, the IMT increases by 0.0253 mm per 21.4 g/day intake of alcohol in men (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The STRATEGY study revealed a positive association between alcohol consumption and carotid IMT in healthy men aged 30-70 years. This relationship remained significant after adjustment for nutrition, physical activity, anthropometry and conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

KW - Adult

KW - Aged

KW - Alcohol Drinking/adverse effects

KW - Atherosclerosis/blood

KW - Body Weights and Measures

KW - Carotid Arteries/diagnostic imaging

KW - Carotid Artery Diseases/blood

KW - Cross-Sectional Studies

KW - Early Diagnosis

KW - Feeding Behavior

KW - Female

KW - Germany/epidemiology

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Motor Activity

KW - Predictive Value of Tests

KW - Sex Characteristics

KW - Tunica Intima/diagnostic imaging

KW - Tunica Media/diagnostic imaging

KW - Ultrasonography

U2 - 10.1038/ejcn.2010.144

DO - 10.1038/ejcn.2010.144

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 20664623

VL - 2010

SP - 1199

EP - 1206

JO - EUR J CLIN NUTR

JF - EUR J CLIN NUTR

SN - 0954-3007

IS - 64

ER -