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Moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of sudden cardiac death among US male physicians

C M Albert1, J E Manson, N R Cook

  • 1Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215-1204, USA. cmalbert@bics.bwh.harvard.edu

Circulation
|September 1, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Light to moderate alcohol consumption (2-6 drinks/week) may significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in men. This contrasts with heavy drinking, which increases cardiac risks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • High alcohol intake (>5 drinks/day) is linked to increased ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD).
  • The impact of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption on SCD risk is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in men.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 21,537 male participants in the Physicians Health Study.
  • Assessed alcohol intake at baseline; tracked SCD events over 12 years.
  • Controlled for multiple confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • Men consuming 2-4 drinks/week had a 60% reduced SCD risk (RR=0.40).
  • Men consuming 5-6 drinks/week had a 79% reduced SCD risk (RR=0.21).
  • The overall relationship between alcohol intake and SCD risk was U-shaped, with risk increasing at >=2 drinks/day.

Conclusions:

  • Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption (2-6 drinks/week) is associated with a significantly reduced risk of sudden cardiac death in men.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption may negate these benefits.
Abstract

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