Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

Alcohol consumption and blood lipids in elderly coronary patients

Hilda J I de Jong1, Janette de Goede, Linda M Oude Griep

  • 1Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|August 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Moderate alcohol intake may increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in men with coronary heart disease (CHD). This effect appears linked to ethanol itself, not other beverage components, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nutritional Science
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Alcohol consumption's impact on coronary heart disease (CHD) is debated, potentially mediated by high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC).
  • Limited data exists on alcohol intake and blood lipids specifically within coronary patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between total ethanol intake and specific beverage consumption with blood lipid levels in older patients diagnosed with CHD.
  • To determine if alcohol consumption influences high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in post-myocardial infarction patients.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 1052 myocardial infarction patients (aged 60-80 years, 78% male) who underwent blood lipid measurements.
  • Dietary intake, including total ethanol and macronutrients, was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire.
  • Statistical analyses adjusted for dietary factors, lifestyle, and established CHD risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Total ethanol intake showed a positive association with HDLC in men (P = .024) but not significantly in women (P = .560).
  • Liquor consumption was weakly associated with increased HDLC in men (P = .045).
  • While beer (men) and wine (women) showed positive trends, these were not significant after full adjustment.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly ethanol, may contribute to elevated HDLC levels in treated post-myocardial infarction patients.
  • The findings suggest ethanol, rather than other components in alcoholic beverages, might be responsible for the observed HDLC elevation.
  • Further research is recommended to explore the specific effects of residual substances in different alcoholic beverages on HDLC.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis 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...
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...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution01:00

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the human body is influenced by several factors, including plasma protein concentration, body composition, blood flow, tissue-protein concentration, and tissue fluid pH. Among these, changes in plasma protein concentration and body composition due to aging significantly affect how drugs are distributed within the body. Specifically, aging is associated with a decrease in albumin levels by about 10% and an increase in α1-acid glycoprotein levels. These alterations are not...
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism01:18

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism

Geriatric patients show significant variation in how their bodies process medications, which can change how effective and safe treatments are. The liver is the primary organ where drug metabolism occurs, involving two main types of chemical reactions: phase I and II. Phase I metabolism is driven by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes key types such as CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Research indicates that while aging doesn't notably alter the levels or activity of these enzymes, it...
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients01:15

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...