Overview
- High alcohol consumption was associated with a 24% higher risk of death from any cause, a 36% higher risk of cancer death, and a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular death compared with never or occasional drinkers.
- At low to moderate intake, beverage type differed: wine was linked to lower mortality while similar amounts of beer, cider, or spirits were linked to higher mortality.
- For cardiovascular outcomes, moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from heart disease versus never or occasional drinkers, whereas even low intake of beer, cider, or spirits was tied to a 9% higher risk.
- Analyses adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, cardiometabolic factors and family history, though alcohol use was self-reported at baseline and the UK Biobank cohort is healthier than the general population.
- Authors noted possible explanations such as red-wine polyphenols and drinking with meals, and the study will be presented at ACC.26 on March 28 in New Orleans.