Project Title

CARDIOSIP: Exploring the Interplay of Drinking Patterns, Cardiometabolic Parameters, and Cardiovascular Disease Occurrence 

Background

Cardiovascular diseases are a significant public health challenge, with alcohol consumption being one of their major modifiable exposures but with a controversial role. One persistent challenge is the inadequate characterization of individual drinking patterns in scientific studies. Further, biomarkers of low-to-moderate alcohol exposure and the mechanisms underlying the molecular processes are lacking. 

Aim

In CARDIOSIP we aim to study the association between drinking patterns, cardiometabolic health, and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Further, we aim to identify the metabolic signature of a regular low-to-moderate drinking pattern and evaluate its prospective association with CHD risk. 

Methods

We will use data from two Danish population cohorts that have been studied over time (DANHES and Inter99 cohorts) and will compare our findings with two U.S. cohorts (Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals' Follow-up Study). We will use advanced techniques to analyze five well-established pathways of metabolic health (hyperglycemia, inflammation, dyslipidemia, blood pressure, and body weight and composition), and predict risks for CHD and stroke. We'll compare metabolic profiles and use statistical models to understand these relationships and risks. 

Preliminary results

A prior analysis among the DANHES study participants found that alcohol consumption on 3-4 days a week is associated with a lower risk of diabetes. Moreover, a lower risk of diabetes was found for consuming an average of 14 drinks a week in men and 9 drinks a week in women. These findings highlight a favorable drinking pattern related to diabetes incidence, a well-known metabolic-related disease.