Alcohol consumption in patients with cardiovascular diseases (results of the survey of cardiac patients in outpatient practice)

• Main Authors: O. D. Ostroumova, I. E. Nikolaeva, S. Ya. Eregin, I. V. Pokrovskaya, K. A. Ishchenko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Stolichnaya Izdatelskaya Kompaniya 2015-12-01
• Series: Racionalʹnaâ Farmakoterapiâ v Kardiologii
• Subjects: сердечно-сосудистые заболевания; этанол; алкогольная зависимость
• Online Access: http://www.rpcardio.ru/jour/article/view/436
• ISSN: 1819-6446; 2225-3653

<p><strong>Aim.</strong> To study the frequency and characteristics of alcohol use in outpatients with cardiovascular diseases and to determine their preferences regarding the help in limiting alcohol consumption.</p><p><strong>Material and methods.</strong> Voluntary and anonymous survey using AUDIT-C and CAGE questionnaires was conducted in 199 patients. The data of 182 patients (82 women and 100 men, mean age 56.4±5.8 years) was included in the analysis.</p><p><strong>Results.</strong> Arterial hypertension (70%), heart rhythm disorders (25%), ischemic heart disease (20%), functional class I-II chronic heart failure (21%) predominated among all clinical entities. Positive AUDIT-C test was found in 30% of men and 7.3% of women. 17% of men and 23.2% of women did not use alcohol at all. Positive responses to all 4 questions of the CAGE test were given by 3% of men and none of women, positive answers to 3 questions – by 15% of men and none of women, to 2 questions - by 17% of men and 11% of women. Positive answer to the question about the need to reduce alcohol consumption was given by 36% of men and 13.4% of women.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>. Simultaneous testing using AUDIT-C and CAGE questionnaires in outpatients with cardiovascular diseases allows identifying a subgroup of patients (more in men) who have a potential problem with an excessive alcohol consumption and need to reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages.</p>