Associations between alcohol consumption and cardio-metabolic risk factors in young adults

Abstract

Introduction The benefits of alcohol consumption for cardiovascular and metabolic health may have been overstated due to inappropriate comparisons with abstainers and inadequate control for confounding factors including physical activity and mental health. We examined alcohol consumption and cardio-metabolic health in a cohort of young Australian adults overcoming these limitations. Methods Cross-sectional data of a cohort of 2200 participants (age range 25-36 years) from the 2004-06 Childhood Determinants of Adult Health were used. Alcohol consumption was assessed from questionnaire and cardio-metabolic risk factors were measured in clinics. Linear and log binomial regression were used to examine total alcohol consumption (categories: none 0 g/day; light >0-10 g/day [reference]; moderate >10-20 g/day; heavy >20-30 g/day; very heavy >30 g/day) against dichotomous metabolic syndrome and its components: waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose. Covariates included socio-demographics, smoking, diet, physical activity, fitness, depression and anxiety. Results Of the 2220 participants (48% males, mean (standard deviation) age 29.5 (2.5) years), most were classified in the 'light drinking' group (54.2%), less were in the 'non-drinking' (13.2%), 'heavy' (5.2%) or 'very heavy' (5.5%) drinking groups. Only moderate drinking was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (prevalence ratio = 0.64, p < 0.05) compared with light drinking. Higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 0.05, p < 0.001). Very heavy compared to light drinkers had higher systolic (β = 3.01 mm Hg, p < 0.01) and diastolic (β = 2.07 mm Hg, p < 0.05) blood pressure. Conclusion Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS, and more favourable levels of lipids but not glucose or blood pressure even when compared to light consumption and with account for a range of confounding factors.

Tetrahydrobiopterin Restores Microvascular Dysfunction in Young Adult Binge Drinkers

“…In a cross‐sectional study, Gillman and colleagues () found that young adults (18 to 26 years of age) consuming no alcohol and <1 drink/d over the last 30 days had a 4 mm Hg higher in systolic blood pressure compared with those who consumed 1 to <2 drinks/d. In young adults (26 to 36 years) enrolled in the 2004 to 2006 follow‐up of the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health, Du and colleagues () found systolic blood pressure was similar among nondrinkers (116 ± 13 mmHg), light drinkers (>0 to 1 drink/d; 117 ± 12 mmHg), and moderate drinkers (>1 to 2 drinks/d; 120 ± 13 mmHg). Collectively, these findings suggest that low‐to‐moderate levels of alcohol consumption in young adults do not increase the risk for elevated blood pressure.…”

Editor’s presentation

“…Results are still significant after adjusting for potential confounders, including physical activity (PA), cardiorespiratory fitness and mental health. 8 However higher levels of alcohol consumption are associated with higher blood pressure, confirming the detrimental effect. Therefore, health promotion messages should convey both the positive and negative effects of alcohol on the cardiometabolic and general health of young people.…”

A modern view on the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of alcoholic cardiomyopathy

“…Наконец, при обсуждении возможных путей развития АКМП необходимо помнить о том, что злоупотребление алкоголем может приводить к развитию других сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний, каждое из которых способно вызывать изменения сердечной мышцы: артериальная гипертония, стабильная стенокардия, нарушения ритма сердца. Также у лиц, злоупотребляющих алкоголем, часто встречаются нарушения липидного обмена, в особенности гипертриглицеридемия, и другие признаки метаболического синдрома [46,47]. Поражение сердца у пациентов с тяжелыми хроническими заболеваниями печени получило название цирротической КМП, характеризующейся повышением сердечного выброса с последующей систолической и диастолической дисфункцией ЛЖ, хотя не все случаи цирротической КМП имеют алкогольный генез [48].…”