Stroke is uncommon in individuals younger than 40. When it does occur, it is often triggered by abnormally high blood pressure. While most risk factors for the condition are relatively modifiable, one particular type of drink is significantly increasing a person’s risk.
Even light-to-moderate drinking increases blood pressure and the chances of having a stroke, according to a large genetic study in The Lancet.
The study involved UK and Chinese researchers who followed 500,000 Chinese people for 10 years.
Current statistics found that about 16 in 100 men and 20 in 100 women will have a stroke in their lifetime in the UK.
So, if a group of 100 non-drinkers started drinking a glass or two every day, there would be an extra two strokes – a small increase.
According to Prof David Spiegelhalter, from the University of Cambridge, that’s an increase in total stroke risk of 38 percent for every half a bottle of wine drunk per day.
He said: “It is very roughly the opposite effect of taking a statin”, which are drugs prescribed by doctors to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
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Alcohol abuse can significantly impact a person’s risk of stroke.
In fact, a recent study found that one to two drinks a day can increase the risk of stroke by 10 to 15 percent.
Those drinking four or more drinks a day could see their risk increase by up to 35 percent.
There are several ways in which alcohol may increase the risk of a stroke and may include:
Increased blood pressure
Increased weight
Increased risk of diabetes
Increased risk of liver damage
Increased Risk of atrial fibrillation.
The study also found no evidence of light or moderate drinking having a protective effect, in other words, reducing the risk of stroke.
When it came to the effect of alcohol on heart attack risk, the researchers said the effects were not clear cut and more data needed to be collected over the next few years.
“Claims that wine and beer have magical protective effects is not borne out,” said study author Prof Richard Peto, professor of medical statistics and epidemiology at the University of Oxford.
The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher the risk of stroke.
Additionally, research has found that even moderate amounts of alcohol can increase stroke risk.
According to some studies, there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume when it comes to lowering the risk of stroke.
One drink is defined as one small glass of wine, a bottle of beer or a single measure of spirits.
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