Key result
Moderate alcohol consumption (4-8 glasses/week) was associated with a lower augmentation index compared to 0-3 glasses/week.
Why the study?
Does moderate alcohol consumption improve augmentation index in middle-aged and elderly men?
Cross-Sectional (n=374)
Does moderate alcohol consumption improve augmentation index in middle-aged and elderly men?
Moderate alcohol consumption (4-8 glasses/week) is associated with a lower augmentation index in middle-aged and elderly men, supporting potential vascular protective effects.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Should not yet influence alcohol recommendations; hypothesis-generating for vascular effects and needs prospective confirmation.
BACKGROUND: Augmentation index (AIx) is a measure of arterial wave reflection, providing information on the workload of the heart. and is a possible marker for cardiovascular disease risk. The relation of alcohol consumption with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is U-shaped with a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption. The relation of alcohol consumption level with AIx has not been widely investigated, which prompted this study of the relation of alcohol consumption with AIx in a population-based cohort of men aged 40-80 years. METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-four men (mean age 60.5 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Alcohol consumption and smoking habits were determined through a validated questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were drawn and analyzed for glucose and lipid levels and AIx was estimated by radial applanation tonometry using the SphygmoCor Device. The resultant data were analyzed using linear regression models. RESULTS: Age, height, heart rate, blood pressure, packyears, current smoking, presence of CVD and hypertension were independently related to AIx. The relation of alcohol consumption with AIx was U-shaped, with a significantly lower AIx in the group drinking 4-8 glasses/week (difference = -2.91%, 95% CI [-5.65; -0.18]) relative to those drinking 0-3 glasses/week. Additional adjustment for current smoking did not change this relationship, but adjustment for pulse wave velocity attenuated the relation. CONCLUSIONS: In a population-based cohort of men aged 40-80 years the relation of alcohol consumption level with AIx was U-shaped, further expanding the evidence for vascular protective effects of moderate alcohol intake.
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Trijp et al. (2005) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy or general population (n=374). Moderate alcohol consumption vs. 0-3 glasses/week was evaluated on Augmentation index (AIx) (MD -2.91%, 95% CI -5.65 to -0.18). Moderate alcohol consumption (4-8 glasses/week) was associated with a lower augmentation index compared to 0-3 glasses/week.
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