Association between self-reported alcohol consumption and diastolic dysfunction: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectivesWhile alcohol consumption is associated with common risk factors for diastolic dysfunction the independent impact of low levels of alcohol consumption on this condition in a community setting is still unclear.Thus, the aim of this study was to explore this association in a representative population sample employing optimal echocardiographic techniques.DesignCross-sectional observational study in community-based population.Settings, participants and methodsParticipants between 30 and 75 years of age were consecutively invited to a physical examination, interview, conventional echocardiography, including Tissue Velocity Imaging. Diastolic dysfunction was defined according to the European Society of Cardiology criteria, excluding subjects with ejection fraction