Alcohol consumption, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. An epidemiological perspective.

Epidemiological data on alcohol consumption, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease are examined. Alcohol consumption is positively associated with cerebrovascular disease. Data on the relationship between alcohol consumption and ischemic heart disease are conflicting and incomplete. The evidence suggests that over a range of consumption, the limits of which have not been established, the relationship is negative. However, consumption at the high levels usually associated with alcoholism carries an elevated risk.