Different measures of alcohol consumption and risk of coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality: 11-year follow-up of the Whitehall II Cohort Study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between three measures of alcohol consumption obtained simultaneously in a large cohort and the validated risk of coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality during follow-up.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study with median follow-up of 11 years.


METHODS
The Whitehall II Cohort Study: London-based civil service.


METHODS
A total of 10,308 (33% female) civil servants aged 35-55 years at baseline (1985-88).


METHODS
Self-reported volume of alcohol consumed during past week, frequency of drinking over past year, usual amount consumed per drinking session.


METHODS
Coronary heart disease and all-cause mortality until 1999.


RESULTS
A U-shaped relationship was found between volume of alcohol consumed per week and outcome. Compared to those who drank moderately (10-80 g alcohol per week), non-drinkers and those drinking more than 248 g per week had approximately a twofold increased risk of mortality. The optimal frequency of drinking was between once or twice a week and daily, after adjustment for average volume consumed per week. Those drinking twice a day or more had an increased risk of mortality (male hazard ratio 2.44 95% CI 1.31-4.52) compared to those drinking once or twice a week. Drinking only once a month or only on special occasions had a 50% increased risk of mortality. The usual amount consumed per drinking session was not indicative of increased health risk in this cohort.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidemiological studies should collect information on frequency of drinking in addition to average volume consumed in order to inform sensible drinking advice.
Britton
Annie
A
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, UK. a.britton@public-health.ucl.ac.uk
Marmot
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol