One More Time, Heavy Drinking Linked to Higher Stroke Risk

Although some controversy exists around the issue of whether mild alcohol can decrease the risk of some types of stroke, there is no controversy at all over the fact that excessive alcohol can increase the risk of stroke. One more study now adds to the growing evidence. The study, which was published in the July 10, 2008 issue of the journal Stroke, followed over 80,000 Japanese men and women over a period of 14 years. Its results clearly show that heavy drinking increases the chances of, not just stroke, but of death from stroke by 48% in men and by 92% in women! These results included deaths from both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

The American Heart Association recommends: "If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means an average of one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. (A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits, or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits.)"

Recommended reading:
Alcohol, Drugs and Stroke
Six Tips to Stay Stroke Free
Stroke-Induced Seizures