Alcohol consumption and cardiovascular protection in the Barão do Corvo Health Centre

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize drinking patterns of users of the Health Centre Barão do Corvo (CSBC) and verify whether there is an association between moderate alcohol habits and overall cardiovascular risk (RGC), calculated by the SCORE charts. Type of study: Observational study, cross-sectional analysis. Location: General and Family Medicine ambulatory care centre. The study population: Users of the CSBC aged ³ 18 years. Methods: Collection of data through personal interviews in May and June 2007, in the CSBC,Vila Nova de Gaia. Level of significance: 0.05. Convenience sample (n = 502). The 2 test was utilized. Results: 51.8% of the respondents consumed alcohol once in life, and 46% in the previous year. Consumption is higher among the male gender, older people, pensioners, widows and in the less educated. 63.7% of the respondents started the consumption before the age of 20. 39.6% were moderate consumers, and 6.8% heavy consumers. The proportion of respondents with RGC above 5%, increased with the consumption of alcohol. Conclusion: Compared with the population, there is less consumption of alcohol once in life (51.8% vs 76%) and in the previous year (46% vs 59%). As in our population, age of first contact is located mostly between the age of 15 and 19 years. The average consumption is higher than the general population. The results support the hypothesis of dose-response curve for the consumption of alcohol be in J and not in U shape. It seems more prudent not to advise the consumption of alcohol for its cardiovascular benefits and to recommend the reduction of consumption for usual consumers.