Alcohol consumption and aortic arch calcification in an older Chinese sample: The Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo examine the association between alcohol consumption and aortic arch calcification (AAC) in an older Chinese sample.MethodsIn 27,844 older people aged 50–85, socioeconomic position and lifestyle factors were assessed by a questionnaire. The presence and severity of AAC were diagnosed from chest X-ray by two experienced radiologists.ResultsIn men, the risk for AAC increased significantly in frequent or excessive drinkers [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.36 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.59) and 1.49 (1.21–1.83) for those who drank >5 times/week and those who drank excessively, respectively] (P for trend from 0.002 to 0.001). When AAC was analyzed as an outcome variable with 3 categories of severity, significant dose–response relations between the severity of AAC and alcohol consumption were observed, with those who drank frequently (> 5/week) or excessively having more serious AAC (P for trend = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). No significant association was found in women as few drank excessively.ConclusionThe presence and severity of AAC were associated with quantity or frequency of alcohol consumption in a dose–response pattern, suggesting that alcohol drinking, even when moderate, has no benefit for AAC. Excessive drinking increased the risk of AAC by 50% compared to never drinkers.