Association between self-reported alcohol consumption and diastolic dysfunction: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectives While alcohol consumption is associated with common risk factors for diastolic dysfunction the independent impact of low levels of alcohol consumption on this condition in a community setting is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore this association in a representative population sample employing optimal echocardiographic techniques. Design Cross-sectional observational study in community-based population. Settings, participants and methods Participants between 30 and 75 years of age were consecutively invited to a physical examination, interview, conventional echocardiography, including Tissue Velocity Imaging. Diastolic dysfunction was defined according to the European Society of Cardiology criteria, excluding subjects with ejection fraction <45%, self-reported history of heart failure or atrial fibrillation on ECG. Self-reported alcohol intake using a validated questionnaire was categorised as no intake, low and medium-high intake. Results In total, 500 men and 538 women (mean age 55.4 +/- 13) were successfully examined. Diastolic dysfunction was identified in 16% (79/500) of the men and 13% (58/538) of the women. The multivariable adjusted model revealed a strong and independent association between alcohol intake and diastolic dysfunction. In fact, using no alcohol intake as reference, diastolic dysfunction was independently associated with alcohol consumption in a dose-dependent fashion; low consumption, OR 2.3 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.0) and medium-high consumption OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.6 to 6.2), respectively. Conclusion There was a significant association between alcohol consumption and diastolic dysfunction starting already at low levels that was supported by a dose-dependent pattern. These results need confirmatory studies and are important in public health policies.