Effects of the frequency of alcohol intake on risk factors for coronary heart disease

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3660 male workers to examine whether the weekly frequency of alcohol intake affected serum lipids and blood pressure, which are risk factors for coronary heart disease, independently of the weekly alcohol consumption. Information regarding life-style habits and current medication was obtained by questionnaire. The effects of the frequency were examined using Tukey's test in the groups of drinkers divided according to their alcohol consumption. In moderate (189-377 ml/week) drinkers, a higher frequency of drinking was related to a higher level of HDL-cholesterol, and a lower level of triglycerides. In light (1-188 ml/week) and heavy (378-566 ml/week) drinkers, a higher frequency of drinking was also related to a higher level of HDL-cholesterol. There were no significant relations between the frequency of drinking and total cholesterol, or blood pressure in these three groups. Similar results were obtained when values were adjusted for age, body-mass index, smoking, physical activity and weekly alcohol consumption. Multiple regression analysis in the whole drinkers also showed that the weekly frequency of drinking was associated with HDL-cholesterol, but not with triglycerides (p = 0.052), total cholesterol, or blood pressure. The results suggest that the weekly frequency of drinking may affect the levels of HDL-cholesterol independently of the weekly alcohol consumption.