Alcohol consumption and venous thromboembolism: friend or foe?

Abstract

A light to moderate consumption of certain types of alcoholic beverages may exert a favorable effect on cardiovascular risk, but no conclusive information is available on the putative relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We performed an electronic search on Medline and Scopus, using the keywords "venous thromboembolism", "venous thrombosis" and "alcohol", to identify clinical studies linking alcohol intake and VTE risk. The literature search generated 16 studies, 4 of which are case-control, 1 cross-sectional and 11 prospective. Significant reduction of VTE associated with alcohol intake is observed in only 4/16 studies, and in all these the association is only meaningful for a moderate amount of alcohol (i.e., 2-4 glasses). Unlike these trials, two other studies observe that alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of VTE, whereas the association is insignificant in the remainder. Binge drinking increases the VTE risk in one study but not in another. The consumption of beer is associated with a decreased VTE risk in one study but not in two others. We hence conclude that the relationship between intake of alcoholic beverages and increased or decreased risk of VTE is largely elusive.

Anti-inflammatory diet and venous thromboembolism: Two prospective cohort studies

“…Findings on the association between alcohol consumption and VTE risk were inconsistent. Moderate alcohol consumption was related to a lower risk of VTE in a previous follow-up study [17], but this inverse association was not replicated in other studies [18]. A prospective cohort study including 26,662 individuals found that wine consumption appeared to lower the risk of VTE [19], which is in line with our finding for wine consumption and deep vein thrombosis.…”

Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated With Venous Thromboembolism

“…We also noted a pattern of association between alcohol consumption and VTE similar to that reported in previous studies of alcohol consumption and nonfatal myocardial infarction. 32,37,38 (By contrast, alcohol consumption has previously been positively associated with risks of fatal coronary disease, stroke, and heart failure.) Although previous studies have reported that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower levels of hemostatic factors (eg, fibrinogen, factor VII, and von Willebrand factor), 39,40 further studies are needed to determine whether moderate alcohol consumption has a causal role in VTE.…”

Effect of alcohol intoxication on the risk of venous thromboembolism

“…However, previous studies had nonconclusive results between alcohol abuse and VTE. [ 11 – 13 ] The enrollment of different beverages and varies alcohol consumption habits may cause the inconsistent results. We assume that episodes of binge drinking can be a risk factor for VTE.…”