Frequency of Hazardous and Binge Drinking Alcohol Among Hospitalized Cardiovascular Patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for numerous cardiovascular diseases.
• The prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use in hospitalized cardiac patients and the extent of its clinical management are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use among patients hospitalized for cardiac conditions.
• To assess the frequency of screening and counseling for alcohol use in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, anonymous, patient-level survey was conducted among 290 hospitalized cardiac patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation.
• Unhealthy drinking was defined using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) for hazardous drinking (score ≥8) and self-reported binge drinking patterns.

Main Results:

• 18% of surveyed patients reported unhealthy alcohol use (12% hazardous, 16% binge drinking).
• Only 58% of patients were screened for alcohol use, and a significant majority (89%) of those with unhealthy drinking received no counseling during their hospital stay.
• Patients with unhealthy drinking were more likely to be counseled than non-unhealthy drinkers (11% vs. 3%, p=0.03), though overall counseling rates were low.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of hospitalized cardiac patients engage in unhealthy alcohol use.
• Screening and counseling for alcohol use are underutilized in this vulnerable patient group, indicating a need for improved clinical interventions.
• Addressing unhealthy alcohol use in cardiac patients is crucial for comprehensive cardiovascular disease management and prevention.