Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
07:24
Reduction in Left Ventricular Wall Stress and Improvement in Function in Failing Hearts using Algisyl-LVR
Published on: April 8, 2013
Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and prognosis in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction
H A Cooper1, D V Exner, M J Domanski
1Clinical Trials Research Group, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. Cooperh@nih.gov
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|June 7, 2000
Summary
Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption appears safe for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. It may even lower the risk of fatal heart attacks in those with ischemic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Alcohol and Heart Health
Background:
- Heavy alcohol use is linked to cardiomyopathy.
- The impact of light-to-moderate alcohol intake on left ventricular (LV) dysfunction prognosis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and prognosis in patients diagnosed with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- The Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD) cohort was analyzed.
- Participants consuming 1-14 drinks/week (light-to-moderate drinkers) were compared to abstainers.
- Cox proportional hazards analysis was employed, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- Light-to-moderate drinkers had lower overall mortality rates (7.2 vs. 9.4 deaths/100 person-years).
- In ischemic LV dysfunction, alcohol intake was linked to reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.85) and myocardial infarction death (RR 0.55).
- No significant impact on mortality was observed in non-ischemic LV dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption does not worsen prognosis in patients with LV systolic dysfunction.
- It may offer a reduced risk of fatal myocardial infarction for those with ischemic LV dysfunction.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
01:28Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, leading to the backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole. This condition can arise from various causes, including rheumatic fever, infective endocarditis, or degenerative valve disease. Effective nursing management is crucial to optimizing patient outcomes and involves comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions.Comprehensive Patient AssessmentA detailed...
01:26Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...