Heavy Drinking in Middle-age Increases Stroke Risk

According to newly published research presented in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke, consuming more than two alcoholic drinks per day in middle-age significantly raises the risk of having a stroke.

The study included over 11,000 participants whose health records were analyzed following what happened to their health over a period of over 43 years. They compared the effects of consuming an average of more than two drinks daily classified as “heavy drinking”, to those who consumed less than half a drink per day classified as “light drinking”.

Three important findings that they published were ;

1-Heavy drinkers had a 34 percent greater risk of stroke compared to light drinkers.

2-The risk of stroke for heavy drinkers was even greater than the well known risk factors of having high blood pressure or diabetes

3- The heavy drinkers suffered a stroke about five years earlier in life than light drinkers who had a stroke .

Aside from stroke it is known that heavy drinking can also cause high blood pressure, heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia ( irregular heartbeats).

The study would support the current recommendation of the American Heart Association to limit alcohol intake to less than two drinks a day for men and one for women. Statistician and researcher Dr. Pavla Kadlocova says,”For mid-aged adults, avoiding more than two drinks a day could be a way to prevent stroke…”.

“For more of the latest in nutritional/ lifestyle research check all of my blog posts at www.drsobo.com/blog

For the best care in Integrative Medicine call Henry C. Sobo, M.D., at 203-348-8805 or write us at [email protected]

Heavy Drinking in Middle-age Increases Stroke Risk

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