Moderate drinking does not protect against strokes: research

Source: Xinhua| 2019-04-12 14:18:04|Editor: zh
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BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Moderate drinking has been associated with reduced cardiovascular risk in many studies, however new research has shown that even moderate alcohol consumption increases the chances of having a stroke.

Heavy drinking can increase the risk of stroke, but the association between moderate drinking and having a stroke is unclear. Researchers from Peking University, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Oxford University studied the association based on the data of 160,000 Chinese adults by combining genetic factors.

The study found that for every 40g increase in average daily drinking, the risk of stroke increased by 35 percent. For the male population, quitting alcohol can help prevent 8 percent of ischemic strokes and 16 percent of hemorrhagic strokes.

Results suggested that moderate drinking has no protective effect on stroke, and a small amount of alcohol may even increase the risk of a stroke.

The research provides scientific reference for individual decision making and public health strategies related to alcohol consumption. Researchers will continue to explore the association between drinking and heart attacks.

The research was published in the Lancet medical journal.

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