Key Practice Points
Please Note: This content is being updated or under review. This version is based on the best available evidence at the last updated date and remains available to guide practice in the interim.
Intervention
Q: What are the risks of alcohol consumption?
Last Updated: 2015-04-21
Contributors
Key Practice Point
#1
The chronic consumption of alcohol, particularly in amounts exceeding one to two standard drinks per day, is associated with increased risk of numerous cancers including breast, esophageal, oropharyngeal, lung, gastric, laryngeal, hepatocellular, endometrial, pancreatic and colorectal.
Grade of Evidence A
Key Practice Point
#2
The regular consumption of alcohol in excess of 30-40 grams/day is associated with increased risk of a number of chronic diseases, including pancreatitis, hypertension, mental illness, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and diseases of the liver.
See Additional Content:
Grade of Evidence B
Key Practice Point
#3
Heavy drinking, particularly on an irregular basis, is associated with cardiovascular disease events including coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
See Additional Content:
Grade of Evidence B
Key Practice Point
#4
Evidence from clinical trials identifies that moderate drinking can increase blood pressure in individuals with and without hypertension. Observational data also suggests that although low-moderate alcohol intake is associated with a reduced risk of CVD compared to not drinking or occasional drinking, high alcohol intake in individuals with hypertension is associated with increased mortality.
Grade of Evidence C
Key Practice Point
#5
Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of accidental injury including motor vehicle accident, falls, workplace injury and drowning.
Grade of Evidence C
Current Contributors
Cheryl Proctor - Author
Dawna Royall - Author
Maria Kalergis - Reviewer