Association of habitual alcohol consumption with carotid atherosclerotic lesions: results from the Corinthia study

Abstract Introduction Alcohol is implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. However, it is also believed to play a cardioprotective role if consumed in appropriate amounts. Purpose To assess the association between alcohol consumption and carotid atherosclerosis. Methods In the setting of the cross-sectional Corinthia study, volunteers filled in questionnaires regarding drinking habits and were characterized as social drinkers (SD) or habitual alcohol consumers (HAC). Furthermore, they underwent carotid ultrasonography examination to evaluate the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Thickness of cIMT>1.5 mm or protrusion >50% compared to adjacent segments was considered as atherosclerotic plaque. Results HAC consumers were usually male (HAC: 61.1%, SD: 24.9%, p