Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats
07:31

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats

Published on: December 2, 2016

Alcohol consumption and cardiovascular risk in hypertensives with left ventricular hypertrophy: the LIFE study

H M Reims1, S E Kjeldsen, W E Brady

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. henrik.reims@ioks.uio.no

Journal of Human Hypertension
|April 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Moderate alcohol intake in hypertensive patients did not alter the stroke risk reduction from losartan versus atenolol. Alcohol consumption lowered myocardial infarction risk but increased stroke risk with higher intake.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • The Losartan Intervention For End point reduction in hypertension (LIFE) study established losartan's superiority over atenolol in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Understanding the impact of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk hypertensive populations is crucial for personalized treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of varying alcohol intake levels on the composite cardiovascular endpoint risk in hypertensive patients.
  • To compare the efficacy of losartan versus atenolol in relation to alcohol consumption patterns.

Main Methods:

  • A secondary analysis of the LIFE study cohort, comparing hazard ratios for cardiovascular events based on self-reported weekly alcohol consumption (abstainers, 1-7 drinks/week, >8 drinks/week).
  • Adjustments were made for demographic and lifestyle factors including gender, age, smoking, exercise, and race.
  • Blood pressure control and treatment randomization were assessed across different alcohol intake categories.

Main Results:

  • Lower composite endpoint rates were observed in both moderate (1-7 drinks/week) and high (>8 drinks/week) alcohol consumers compared to abstainers.
  • Myocardial infarction risk was significantly reduced across both alcohol consumption groups.
  • Stroke risk showed a trend towards increase with higher alcohol intake (>8 drinks/week), while losartan demonstrated significant composite risk reduction compared to atenolol primarily in abstainers.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate alcohol consumption does not negate the stroke risk reduction benefits of losartan compared to atenolol in high-risk hypertensives.
  • Alcohol intake is associated with reduced myocardial infarction risk, but higher consumption may increase stroke risk.
  • No significant alcohol-treatment interactions were found, suggesting differential effects on specific cardiovascular events.

More Related Videos

Technique of Minimally Invasive Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice for Induction of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy08:34

Technique of Minimally Invasive Transverse Aortic Constriction in Mice for Induction of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Published on: September 25, 2017

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Experimental Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension10:03

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Experimental Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Published on: June 27, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy 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...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...