Hangovers Linked To Increased Risk Of Stroke

KUOPIO, FinlandMen who consume more than six alcoholic drinks per day may be at risk of increased atherosclerotic progression, while further data suggests hangovers may indicate an increased risk of stroke, according to new study results published in the Journal of Neurology, Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, and Atherosclerosis.

Researchers at the University of Kuopio evaluated a population-based sample of more than 2,600 men living in eastern Finland and participating in the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD) to evaluate the effects of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular health. Participants' alcohol consumption was assessed using the Nordic alcohol consumption inventory along with incident strokes. The follow-up time was between 11 to 20 years.

Researchers determined the progression of atherosclerosis was increased among men who consumed six drinks or more on one occasion. In addition, the risk of stroke increased among men who had at least one hangover per year. Hangovers increased the risk of stroke independent of the total amount of alcohol consumed. Hypertension and overweight, in the presence of alcohol consumption, further increased the risk of stroke. Drinking large quantities of alcohol more than twice a week increased the risk of stroke mortality in men.

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