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 wheth er the weekly frequency of alcohol intake affected serum lipids and blood p ressure, which are risk factors for coronary heart disease, independently o f the weekly alcohol consumption. Information regarding life-style habits a nd current medication was obtained by questionnaire. The effects of the fre quency were examined using Tukey's test in the groups of drinkers divided a ccording to their alcohol consumption. In moderate (189-377 ml/week) drinke rs, a higher frequency of drinking was related to a higher level of HDL-cho lesterol, 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 r elated to a higher level of HDL-cholesterol. There were no significant rela tions between the frequency of drinking and total cholesterol, or blood pre ssure in these three groups. Similar results were obtained when values were adjusted for age, body-mass index, smoking, physical activity and weekly a lcohol consumption. Multiple regression analysis in the whole drinkers also showed that the weekly frequency of drinking was associated with HDL-chole sterol, but not with triglycerides (p = 0.052), total cholesterol, or blood pressure. The results suggest that the weekly frequency of drinking may af fect the levels of HDL-cholesterol independently of the weekly alcohol cons umption.