Abstract 3586: Alcohol Consumption and One-Year Angina Risk After Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Background: Prior studies show light to moderate alcohol use is associated with reduced mortality and cardiovascular events, whereas heavy use increases mortality and cardiovascular risks. The association of alcohol use and post-myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms is unknown. We explored the association between alcohol use and risk of having angina 1 year after an MI. Methods: Upon enrollment in the 19-center prospective PREMIER registry, acute MI patients (n=2481) were asked about alcohol use. Angina (any vs. none) was assessed at 1 year with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. The association of alcohol use and 1-year angina was modeled using a hierarchical multivariable modified Poisson regression model. Results: Overall, 47% reported never drinking and others reported having the following # of drinks/day: 42% < 1; 6% 1 to 2; 3% > 2 to 4; 2% > 4. After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and treatment variables, patients that reported never drinking were 45% more likely to have angina than moderate drinkers (1 to 2 drinks/day). However, > drinks/day was associated with an 81% greater risk of angina than moderate alcohol use. Those drinking < 1 drink/day or > 2 to 4 per day had similar angina risk compared to moderate drinkers. Results did not vary by gender (p > .05 for interaction). Conclusions: This study extends prior evidence of a dose-dependent relationship between alcohol use and other cardiovascular benefits/risks to post-MI angina. Moderate alcohol consumption (1 to 2 drinks/day) was associated with reduced risk of angina 1 year after MI compared to abstinence or heavy alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use (>4 drinks/day) was associated with increased risk of angina.