To be presented during the
American Heart Association Meeting
Sweeney Convention Center
Santa Fe, N.M.
20-Mar-98
#P63 -- 4:00 p.m. -- Does alcohol protect against artery disease? Yes and no.
Adding more fuel to this ongoing research debate is a new analysis by the Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study: Data from 577 symptom-free utility workers age 40 to 60 show a "significant" relation between total alcohol intake and fractionally less thickness of the wall of the large carotid artery in the neck -- but only in women. Wall thickening is an early sign of atherosclerosis. The researchers say their results point to an "anti-atherosclerotic" role for alcohol. But the investigators say that the protective effect appeared restricted to women, and that wine gave the strongest benefit. Their findings are "problematic" and need further clarification.
Kathleen M. Dwyer, University of Southern California, Los Angeles: (213) 342-2633.
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