"Our study confirmed the so-called 'J shape curve': low to moderate amounts of alcohol reduce cardiovascular risk, while larger quantities raise it," states Dr. Giovanni de Gaetano, corresponding author of the article published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. "We did not observe statistically significant differences between men and women, although a small advantage of women over men at the lowest amount of alcohol could be seen."
This study is the first to compare men and women in relation to alcohol effectiveness in lowering cardiovascular risk. The article states that the overall moderate effect of wine may be favorable in postmenopausal women, in whom the protective effect on cardiovascular events might overcome the risk of breast cancer. Further evidence is needed to assess this important issue.
About the Author
Giovanni de Gaetano, MD is currently Head of the Research Laboratories at the Centre for High Technology Research and Education in Biomedical Sciences, Catholic University, Campobasso, Italy. For over 30 years, Dr. de Gaetano has helped to organize the Annual Course on "Alteraziono congenite ed acquisite della coagulazione; Metodi di studio" and is a member of numerous scientific societies, including the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), since its foundation in 1970. Dr. de Gaetano can be reached for questions and interviews at +39 0874 312280 or gdegaetano@rm.unicatt.it.
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Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis