How greatly alcohol increases the risk for a stroke?

In the last years, many contradictory statements about the effects of the daily consumption of small amounts of alcohol. Researchers found out now that it is back in light to moderate regular Drinking increases blood pressure and the likelihood of a stroke.

In the current joint study of the internationally recognised University of Oxford, Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, it was found that even small amounts of daily ingested alcohol increase the blood pressure and the risk for a stroke increase. The results of the study were published in the English journal “The Lancet”.

Alcohol consumption should be limited

The researchers from the UK and China that are monitored for their study, ten years of 500,000 Chinese participants. The results for all groups of the population relevant and represent good evidence for the direct effects of alcohol. People should be sure to limit your alcohol consumption. It is already known that heavy Drinking is harmful to health and the risk of stroke increases. Some studies have, however, pointed out that Drinking small amounts of alcohol can be good for your health, while other studies came to the conclusion that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. The current study findings contradict earlier studies in which it was claimed that one or two alcoholic drinks per day can have a protective effect on our health.

One alcoholic drink per day increases the risk of stroke significantly

In the new study, it was found that already one to two alcoholic drinks per day can increase the risk of stroke by ten to 15 per cent. People drink four alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of stroke by 35 percent. The question is, what was defined in the study as a drink? A drink was in the investigation of either a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. In the UK, approximately 16 out of 100 men and 20 of every 100 women in the course of their life suffer a stroke, reports the researchers. So, if a group of 100 non-alcohol drinking people begin each and every day to take one or two alcoholic drinks, this would lead to seizures two additional blow. When people per day, consume half a bottle of wine increases stroke risk by 38 percent.

No evidence of protective effect found

The study found no evidence that light or moderate Drinking has a protective effect, and thus, the risk of stroke is reduced. The researchers stated, however, that the effects of alcohol on the risk for a heart attack are not entirely clear. In the next few years, further data must be collected on the subject. Claims that wine and beer have a protective effect, not be confirmed by the new investigation. The Key message of the study is that there is now clear evidence for a lack of a protective effect against stroke by consuming moderate amounts of alcohol. This also means that the already low daily perceived amounts of alcohol increase the likelihood of a stroke. (as)