Women benefit from alcohol drinking more than men

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 01 Feb 2005 - 10:00 PDT

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Women see a slightly higher health benefit over men from alcohol consumption according to twelve separate studies reviewed in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. However, more studies are needed to determine if there are more significant results from either wine, other spirits or beer.

"Our study confirmed the so-called 'J shape curve': low to moderate amounts of alcohol reduce cardiovascular risk, while larger quantities raise it," states Dr. Giovanni de Gaetano, corresponding author of the article published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. "We did not observe statistically significant differences between men and women, although a small advantage of women over men at the lowest amount of alcohol could be seen."

This study is the first to compare men and women in relation to alcohol effectiveness in lowering cardiovascular risk. The article states that the overall moderate effect of wine may be favorable in postmenopausal women, in whom the protective effect on cardiovascular events might overcome the risk of breast cancer. Further evidence is needed to assess this important issue.

About the Author

Giovanni de Gaetano, MD is currently Head of the Research Laboratories at the Centre for High Technology Research and Education in Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University, Campobasso, Italy. For over 30 years, Dr. de Gaetano has helped to organize the Annual Course on "Alteraziono congenite ed acquisite della coagulazione; Metodi di studio" and is a member of numerous scientific societies, including the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), since its foundation in 1970. Dr. de Gaetano can be reached for questions and interviews at +39 0874 312280 or gdegaetano@rm.unicatt.it.

This article is published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article please contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.

About the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, the official journal of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, is advancing science related to the important medical problems of thrombosis, bleeding disorders and vascular biology through the diffusion and exchange of information and ideas within the international research community. The Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis is now available in print and online.

About Blackwell Publishing

Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher, partnering with more than 550 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 750 journals and 600 text and reference books annually, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects.

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Sharon Agsalda - medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net Blackwell Publishing Ltd