The relationship between alcohol consumption and cerebral infarction remains controversial with studies reporting J-shaped or no association. Few have examined the relationship between alcohol type and stroke. We examined these associations in the Stroke Prevention in Young Women Study, a population-based case-control study which recruited participants between February, 1992 and January, 1996. Case patients (n=224) were age 15 to 44 years with a first cerebral infarction, identified from hospitals in Maryland, Washington DC, and southern Pennsylvania and Delaware. Controls (n=392), identified by random-digit dialing, were frequency-matched by age and region of residence. The interview assessed lifetime alcohol use and use and beverage type in the previous year, week, and day. Odds ratios were obtained from logistic regression models controlling for age, race, education, and smoking status with never drinkers as the referent. Alcohol consumption of < 24 g/day in the past year was protective for ischemic stroke (OR=0.57 for < 12 g/day, p < .01; OR=0.38 for 12-24 g/day, p=.02; OR=0.95 for ³ 24 g/day, p=.90). Alcohol consumption of < 12 g/day in the previous week was also protective (OR=0.42, p < .01). Drinking in the past 24 hours was not associated with stroke. When type of beverage was examined (beer, wine, liquor), only wine consumption in the previous year was protective for ischemic stroke (OR=0.54 for average intake of < 12 g/day, p=.01; OR=0.85 for ³ 12 g/day, p=.82). In conclusion, moderate alcohol consumption and wine drinking appear protective for ischemic stroke in these women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the literature on alcohol use, beverage type, and ischemic stroke. 2. Describe potential mechanisms for the relationship between alcohol use, wine drinking, and ischemic stroke. 3. Discuss the public health implications of the protective relationship between moderate alcohol use, wine drinking, and ischemic stroke among young women
Keywords: Alcohol Use, Strokes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.