Young people in their 20s who drink moderate to heavy alcohol are more likely to have a stroke than those who drink little or no alcohol, a new study shows.
According to the study
Published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, the longer people reported drinking moderately or heavily, the greater their risk of stroke.
« In recent decades
The incidence of stroke among young adults, which can lead to death and severe disability, has increased in young adults, » said study co-author Eue-Keun Choi of Seoul National University in South Korea.
« If we can prevent stroke in young adults by reducing alcohol consumption
It could have a major impact on individual health and the overall stroke burden in society, » said Dr. vegetable
For the study
Researchers evaluated the records of people in their 20s and 30s who underwent health checks four times a year in the Korean National Health Database.
The researchers then followed the men for an average of six years
Asking them how much they drank each year.
Participants were asked how many days per week they drank and the standard amount of alcohol they drank each time.
Those who drank 105 grams or more per week were considered moderate or heavy drinkers – the equivalent of about 15 grams per day, or more than 1 glass of alcohol per day, and nearly 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of spirits liquor. .
In this study
Light drinkers were defined as those who drank less than 15 grams per day.
The study assessed data on more than 1.5 million people
Of whom 3,153 had a total stroke.
The researchers found that over two or more years of studies
People who drank moderately or heavily had a 20 percent higher risk of stroke than those who drank little or no alcohol.
The link is primarily associated with hemorrhagic stroke — a type of stroke that results from a hemorrhage in the brain.
They also found that those who drank moderately to heavy alcohol for two years had a nearly 20 percent increased risk, while those who drank more than three years had a 22 percent increased risk.
The study also took into account other factors that may affect stroke risk
Including high blood pressure, smoking and body mass index, the scientists said.
« Because more than 90% of the total stroke burden can be attributed to potentially modifiable risk factors, including alcohol use, and because young people’s strokes limit their activities during their most productive years, there are serious consequences for both individuals and society. impact, reduction as part of any stroke prevention strategy should emphasize alcohol consumption in young adults with heavy drinking habits, » Cuisine said.
Citing limitations of the analysis
The researchers said the study only included Koreans.