Alcohol use and risk of blocked arteries in women

Women reporting any amount of alcohol use had about a 20% decrease in risk of ischemic heart disease incidence compared with abstainers.

• A total of 884 cases of ischemic heart disease (IHD) were identified during a mean follow-up of 13 years.
• The relative risk of IHD remained largely unchanged after adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors.
• The greatest risk reduction (36% to 39%) was observed among women consuming about half to two drinks per day.
• Moderate alcohol use is associated with a decreased risk of IHD in women aged 45 to 74 years.

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