Effects of at-risk drinking on central hemodynamics and aortic stiffness in midlife adults

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular physiology
• Public health
• Alcohol research

Background:

• At-risk drinking is prevalent in midlife adults.
• Alcohol consumption can impact cardiovascular health.
• Central hemodynamics and aortic stiffness are key indicators of cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between at-risk drinking and central hemodynamics.
• To determine the effect of at-risk drinking on aortic stiffness in midlife adults.
• To explore potential mechanisms linking alcohol consumption to cardiovascular changes.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study design.
• Inclusion of 79 midlife adults (men and postmenopausal women) aged 50-64.
• Assessment of alcohol consumption using the U.S. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (USAUDIT-C).
• Measurement of central blood pressure, aortic wave reflection indices, and carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV).

Main Results:

• At-risk drinkers, particularly those untreated for hypertension, exhibited higher central systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to low-risk drinkers.
• No significant differences in aortic wave reflection indices or cfPWV were observed between at-risk and low-risk drinkers, irrespective of sex or medication use.
• Elevated central blood pressure in at-risk drinkers was not independently associated with aortic stiffening or wave reflection.

Conclusions:

• At-risk drinking is associated with elevated central blood pressure in midlife adults.
• The observed increase in central blood pressure is likely mediated by factors other than aortic stiffening or wave reflection.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking at-risk drinking to central hemodynamic alterations.