NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study shows that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol may be less likely to develop blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the legs. These results complement previous research that suggests light drinking can reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

In a study of almost 4,000 people at least 55 years old, researchers led by Jacqueline Witteman and Rozemarijn Vliegenthart of Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, found that women and non-smoking men who reported having 1 or 2 drinks a day were less likely than nondrinkers to have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The findings are published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

The strongest effect was noted in women who did not smoke and consumed more than 20 grams of alcohol per day--equivalent to 2 glasses of wine. These women were 59% less likely to have PAD than their teetotaler counterparts.

PAD occurs when the arteries in the legs become blocked by a buildup of fatty material, a process known as atherosclerosis. When left unchecked, PAD can lead to leg cramps when walking. Atherosclerosis in general can bring on stroke and heart attacks.

Vliegenthart and colleagues matched drinking to PAD to investigate alcohol's effect on atherosclerosis. Patients with PAD often have no symptoms, so they are less likely to have recently stopped or reduced their drinking to improve their condition.

In an interview with Reuters Health, Vliegenthart explained that alcohol may decelerate atherosclerosis by inhibiting the oxidation of cholesterol, which prevents it from accumulating inside arteries. Since atherosclerosis can lead to other cardiovascular problems, Viegenthart speculated that reducing this process may be the means by which light drinking can promote heart and blood vessel health in general.

Despite these purported benefits, drinking alcohol can lead to a host of serious conditions, such as alcoholism, stroke, high blood pressure and obesity. Consequently, Vliegenthart noted that the study should be interpreted cautiously.

"Our results should not be used to promote alcohol consumption," the researcher said. "Recommending even moderate alcohol consumption may lead to overconsumption, and public acceptance of higher intake of alcohol."

To determine the amount of alcohol patients consumed, the researchers estimated that each 200 milliliter (ml) serving of beer contained 8 grams of alcohol. Each 100 ml glass of wine was calculated to have 10 grams of alcohol, while a 50 ml shot of liquor contained 14 grams of alcohol.

The researchers found that women who drank up to 10 grams of alcohol per day were 34% less likely to have PAD than non-drinkers, and those who consumed more than 20 grams reduced their risk by 22%.

Since the researchers found no significant effect of alcohol consumption on PAD in men, they separated study participants into two groups: current or non-smokers. Once divided, all non-smokers who drank moderately were less likely to have PAD, although the effect was stronger in women.

Vliegenthart and colleagues attributed these mixed results to the fact that men and women in their study had different preferences in alcoholic beverages. Women tended to choose wine and liquor, with only 5.2% preferring beer. But almost half of men liked beer best.

Some researchers have proposed that the benefits of alcohol stem primarily from red wine, which could explain the stronger effect seen in women.

Vliegenthart added that the results only show that PAD can be associated with moderate drinking. The next step is to follow light drinkers over time.

"In further research, we are interested in how alcohol influences the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and whether drinking pattern influences the association between alcohol and atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease," the researcher said.

SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology 2002;155:332-338.

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