02 Dec CT Angiography Study Finds No Association Between Alcohol and Coronary Artery Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Pál Maurovich-Horvat MD, PhD, MPH, FSCCT
Assistant Professor of Cardiology
Director of the MTA-SE Cardiovascular Imaging Research Group
Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University
Budapest, Hungary
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Several studies have been published on alcohol consumption and its association with the presence of coronary artery disease, however the data remains controversial. Some studies suggested that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of heart disease and others found no protective effect.
Our study is the first investigation that aims to assess the effect of alcohol on the coronary arteries using coronary CT angiography. We found no association between regular alcohol consumption and the presence of coronary disease.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: We were not able to demonstrate protective effect against coronary artery disease among moderate drinkers, as previously thought, however no harmful effect was detected either.
It is important to note that other studies have demonstrated that moderate alcohol consumption has number of potential side effects, including negative long-term effects on the brain and heart function.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Our findings need to be confirmed by larger studies in other populations. Therefore, further multicenter, international studies are needed.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: Our results have to be interpreted with caution. This is a relatively small sample size study in patients with suspected coronary artery disease referred to coronary CT angiography. So, this is a selected patient population, with a higher baseline risk of coronary artery disease.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Association between Alcohol Consumption and Presence of Coronary Artery Disease
http://press.rsna.org/timssnet/media/pressreleases/14_pr_target.cfm?ID=1918
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com
[wysija_form id=”5″]
Last Updated on December 2, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD