Can Alcohol Cause a Stroke? Absolutely, 1 Alcoholic Drink A Day Is Enough To Cause Stroke
Can Alcohol Cause a Stroke?
Can Alcohol Cause a Stroke? Absolutely, 1 Alcoholic Drink A Day Is Enough to Cause Stroke, study results from University of Oxford research team. Stroke usually occurs when blood flow is blocked, brain cells unfortunately dies in minutes because of insufficient oxygen supply.
One alcoholic drink a day can cause stroke risk – Strokes can be fatal, but the risk can be reduced. Many stroke risk factors are lifestyle related. The power to reduce the risk of having a stroke is mostly in everyone’s hands.
Causes of stroke
A stroke can occur as:
- a haemorrhagic stroke – an artery ruptures and causes bleeding into the brain tissue. Also called a cerebral haemorrhage.
- an ischaemic stroke caused by atherosclerosis – an artery is completely blocked by progressive thickening of its arterial walls
- an ischaemic stroke caused by embolism – a clot blocks an artery and prevents blood getting to the brain.
The brain cells in the immediate area of the injury are killed because they are deprived of oxygen. The dead area that results from stroke is known as an infarct. Without prompt medical treatment, the area of brain cells surrounding the infarct will also die.
Risk factors of stroke
Some basic stroke risk factors can’t be controlled. These include
- gender,
- age and
- family history.
However, many stroke risk factors are lifestyle related. Everyone can reduce their risk of having a stroke by making a few simple lifestyle changes.
- high blood pressure
- cigarette smoking
- diabetes
- high blood cholesterol levels
- a diet high in fat (particularly saturated) and salt, but low in fibre, fruit and vegetables
- lack of regular exercise
- obesity.
- One alcoholic drink a day can cause stroke risk.
Another important risk factor, particularly as one get older, includes atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).
Overall risk increases when multiple risk factors are present. Your doctor should assess this overall risk (called ‘absolute risk’) using a tool that calculates your risk of stroke and heart disease based on your age, sex, blood pressure, smoking history, cholesterol levels, and whether you have diabetes. Your doctor will also consider other factors such as atrial fibrillation or kidney disease. Book Appointment with a Doctor.
Can Alcohol Cause a Stroke? Study Result
A new study has suggested that consuming just one alcoholic drink a day can cause stroke risk.
A new genetic study, which has been published in The Lancet, claims that even light drinking can increase the risk of strokes. The study, which was undertaken by UK and Chinese researchers, contradicts previous advice that a single drink could be “protective.” and less harmful.
Research Analysis and Results
Researchers from the University of Oxford, Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences followed a group of 500,000 Chinese people for a period of 10 years. They found that One alcoholic drink a day can cause stroke risk. 1-2 every day increased the risk of strokes by 10-15%, while drinking 4 drinks per day elevated the risk by 35 percent. A single drink was classed as a small glass of wine, a bottle of beer or a 25ml measure of spirits.
It is estimated that 16 in 100 men and 20 in 100 women will have a stroke. This means that in a group of 100 non-drinkers, the number of strokes would increase by 2 if the group was to start drinking 1-2 drinks per day.
Prof David Spiegelhalter, from the University of Cambridge, said that half a bottle of wine per day could increase stroke risk by 38%. He claimed that drinking this quantity of alcohol is “very roughly the opposite effect of taking a statin.” “Medic8”
In addition to suggesting that drinking even small amounts could increase the risk of strokes. Researchers found no evidence to support claims that alcohol can have protective benefits. This contradicts the earlier opinion of its protective nature.
Why China is best place to carry out this research
China has been identified as an interesting place to conduct studies on the impact of alcohol, as there’s a great deal of variation linked to drinking habits among the Chinese population. A third of men don’t drink, and very few women drink on a regular basis. Some people choose not to drink because genetic factors make them feel sick and unwell when they do drink. By comparing outcomes and health status between drinkers and non-drinkers, it’s possible for researchers to get a more accurate measure of the direct impact of alcohol on stroke risk. Western populations don’t’ have the same genes, and as such, it wouldn’t be possible to carry out the same study in the UK.
Researchers are keen to point out that the study suggests that drinking alcohol frequently, even if it’s a small quantity, does not offer protective benefits. And that one alcoholic drink a day can cause stroke risk or rather increase the risk of strokes. Current guidelines in the UK recommend a maximum intake of 14 units per week. They also suggest taking frequent alcohol-free days, which has remained the best protective measure in order to avoid the frequently asked question “can alcohol cause a stroke?”.
Can Alcohol Cause a Stroke? This is questioned by many who would have already known the answer after reading this article, though some may be willing to quit but find it difficult as a result of their addiction to alcohol intake. It is important to note that addiction alone cannot be a limiting factor to reduce intake of alcohol. One major way you can get help for yourself is to employ the assistance of a hypnotherapist.
When your subconsciousness is constantly probed and reminded with the question can alcohol cause a stroke, the many possibilities and risks your system is exposed to when you do. Naturally you will find your way around curtailing alcohol consumption. Read on Hypnotherapy and see how this can be of help in managing your alcohol addiction.
Read Also: 12 Natural Home Remedies To Lose Weight On Tummy And Hips
Important Stroke Facts to Note
- A stroke interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain.
- Most stroke risk factors are lifestyle related, so everyone has the power to reduce their risk of having a stroke.
- Risk factors should be considered together to understand the overall risk of stroke.
- Some stroke risk factors, such as gender, age and family history, can’t be controlled.
- Lifestyle factors that increase your risk of stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, heavy drinking, high salt and high fat diet and lack of exercise. Read some pointers on how to stay healthy.
- Someone who has already experienced a stroke is at increased risk of having another.
