Abstract
Background: Arterial stiffness as assessed by Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) represents an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Several dietary compounds and lifestyle factors could influence arterial stiffness. The debate on the significance of the correlation between alcohol consumption and arterial stiffness is still open, given that the relationship is complex and potentially affected by several factors such as alcohol type, consumption levels, gender and age differences. Objective: This systematic literature review aims to examine the evidence supporting an association between alcohol use and PWV, in electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, from January 2010 to November 2020. Screening and full-text reviews were performed by three investigators and data extraction by two. Considering the significant heterogeneity of data only a qualitative analysis (systematic review) was performed. Results: A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Alcohol consumption was independently associated with arterial stiffness in a J-shaped way in most of the studies included. A benefit of alcohol consumption on arterial stiffness was found in four experimental studies, whilst an unfavorable increasing linear association was found in four others. Associations were confirmed with both oscillometric and tonometric PWV assessment methods. In some studies, a gender and age correlation was found with a more pronounced association in older males. In all studies elevated levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a worsening of arterial stiffness. Conclusions: Despite the variable findings across studies, the current review provides preliminary evidence that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption is associated with arterial stiffness values lower than expected, and evidence that high doses accelerate arterial ageing. These findings could be useful for clinicians who provide recommendations for patients at cardiovascular (CV) risk. Nevertheless, given the heterogeneity of study designs, interventions, measurement methods and statistical evaluations, the protective role of moderate alcohol consumption on arterial stiffness is likely but not certain, warranting additional trials and evidence.
Highlights
The measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV), which characterizes the propagation of the pressure waves generated by the systolic contraction of the heart along the arterial tree, is the most widely used and accepted method to assess arterial stiffness [4]
On the basis of the published literature and data, in our review we found that a light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with better arterial stiffness values
The protective role of light to moderate alcohol intake has been considered to be partially reIn our review we have found that in all selected studies high doses of alcohol conlated to an increasing level of circulating HDL cholesterol, and an improved lipid metabolic sumption were associated with increased values of arterial stiffness
Summary
Arterial Stiffness as a Marker of Subclinical Atherosclerosis. The early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis represents a challenge for clinical practice, considering that it could be useful in reducing individuals’ CV risk [1]. Arterial stiffness represents a subclinical early marker of functional and structural remodeling of the arterial wall and of vascular ageing [2,3]. The measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV), which characterizes the propagation of the pressure waves generated by the systolic contraction of the heart along the arterial tree, is the most widely used and accepted method to assess arterial stiffness [4]. The noninvasive measurement of PWV is considered the gold standard for the assessment of arterial stiffness [5]. Arterial stiffness as assessed by Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) represents an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. The debate on the significance of the correlation between alcohol consumption and arterial stiffness is still open, given that the relationship is complex and potentially affected by several factors such as alcohol type, consumption levels, gender and age differences
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