Moderate drinkers have lower risk of stroke

Compared with those who abstain, women who consume a glass of wine, beer, or a mixed drink each day have a modestly lower risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, a study from Brigham and Women's Hospital reports.

The study reviewed the medical records of 83,578 participants in the Nurses' Health Study who had no diagnosed cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline, and who were followed from 1980 to 2006. Data on stroke incidence and self-reported data on alcohol consumption were analyzed.

An inverse association between low-to-moderate alcohol consumption and risk of total stroke was observed, with a decreased risk at low-to-moderate intakes and a higher risk of ischemic stroke at intakes of 30 g/d to 40 g/d. In addition, no association was seen between hemorrhagic stroke and low levels of alcohol consumption.

Jimenez M, Chiuve SE, Glynn RJ, et al. Alcohol consumption and risk of stroke in women. Stroke. March 8, 2012. [Epub ahead of print.]