Drinking two alcoholic drinks a day may increase your risk of stroke, new research shows. Alcohol restriction has proven to be one of the key factors in preventing heart disease.
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In a study published in the American Heart Association Stroke, 11644 middle-aged Swedish twins were examined. During 43 years of observation, scientists compared the effects of drinking more than two alcoholic drinks a day (group I) and less than half an alcoholic drink a day (group II). The study showed that:
- People from the first group had Fr. 34 percent higher risk of stroke compared to people in group II.
- People who drank more than two alcoholic drinks a day had a stroke five years earlier than Group II, regardless of genetic factors and age.
- The risk of a heart attack increased significantly in the middle of life of people in group I.
- At around age 75, high blood pressure and diabetes were among the leading causes of stroke in both groups.
1 alcoholic drink is usually defined as containing 14 g of alcohol, which equates to about one small (125 ml) glass of wine, just over half a liter of beer, and less than one glass of whiskey or vodka.
The study showed how risk factors for stroke change with age. They found that alcoholic beverages consumed daily by middle-aged people can increase the risk of stroke more than traditional factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Importantly, the twins who suffered a stroke were found to drink more than their siblings who did not have a stroke, suggesting that alcohol abuse in the middle of life increases the risk of stroke regardless of genetics and age. Regularly drinking large amounts of any type of alcohol can raise your blood pressure and cause heart failure or irregular heartbeat.
According to the recommendations of the American Heart Association, men should not drink more than 220 ml of wine a day, and women – 120 ml of wine. The above study is in line with this principle. Exceeding the recommended amount, especially in the first half of life, may lead to a stroke in the second half of life.
However, small amounts of alcohol are perfectly fine, so don’t go to extremes. A large study (nearly 15.000 men and women) found that drinking up to seven alcoholic beverages a week in adolescence was associated with 16 – 20 percent. lower risk of heart failure compared with nondrinkers.
Source: www.heart.org
Photo is from: ralph and jenny / Foter / CC BY
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