Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
Each year, approximately 7,500 Irish people have a stroke, and around 2,000 of these people die.
An estimated 30,000 people in Ireland are living with disabilities as a result of a stroke.
In a study from the University of Galway and elsewhere, scientists found that high and moderate alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of stroke.
They also found that there was no link between low-level drinking and stroke.
In the study, the team looked at the alcohol drinking of almost 26,000 people worldwide. The study involved people from a range of ethnic backgrounds in 27 countries, including Ireland and the UK.
The team says overall, the findings indicate that high and moderate intake of alcohol was associated with increased odds of stroke, while they found no convincing link between low intake and stroke.
However, the effects of alcohol intake are complex as they are linked with socioeconomic factors such as education and many lifestyle factors including smoking, diet, and physical activity.
The potential impact of what is commonly classed as binge drinking is important to consider.
The adverse risk of having seven drinks one day per week is likely to be greater than having one drink each day per week.
The team also looked at the differences between types of alcohol.
Predominant beer consumption was linked with a 21% increase in the risk of stroke; this was much higher (73%) for intracerebral hemorrhage.
Predominant wine consumption was not linked with the risk of stroke—there was no increase or decrease.
This may reflect a difference in risk by type of alcohol or may reflect differences in the social context of consumption patterns.
The team also found people who had previously been drinkers but had stopped were not at increased risk of stroke.
They suggest that targeted interventions to manage high intake at a population level may help reduce stroke risk in people who are more likely to binge drink.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how a wife recognized the signs of stroke and helped save her husband, and a MIND diet could slow down cognitive decline after stroke.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce the risk of dementia, and more intensive blood pressure treatment may prevent strokes.
The study was conducted by Professor Martin O’Donnell et al and published in Neurology.
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