J‐curve association between alcohol intake and varicose veins in Japan: The Shimane CoHRE Study

J‐curve association between alcohol intake and varicose veins in Japan: The Shimane CoHRE Study. Kunie Kohno  Hiroyuki Niihara  Tsuyoshi Hamano  Miwako Takeda  Yusei Nakagawa  Kuninori Shiwaku  Toru Nabika  Bengt Zöller  Xinjun Li  Kristina Sundquist  Jan Sundquist  Eishin Morita. Concise Communication, July 29 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.15022

Abstract: The effect of alcohol intake on varicose veins (VV) has not been determined by its consumption level. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between alcohol intake and VV in an elderly general population. Using a cross‐sectional approach, the Shimane CoHRE Study data, comprising a total of 1060 participants, were analyzed. By multivariate regression analysis adjusted with basic characteristics, past work history, lifestyle‐related factors and medical history, compared with non‐drinkers, mild drinkers (<20.0 g/day) showed a significantly lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of VV (aOR = 0.64, P = 0.036). In a similar way, regular drinkers (1–5 days/week) showed a significantly lower aOR of VV when compared with occasional drinkers (aOR = 0.57, P = 0.032). VV and alcohol intake showed J‐curve relationships. In a stratified analysis by alcohol consumption levels, the association of smoking and VV were also observed in moderate to heavy drinkers and habitual drinkers. These findings can provide better understanding of pathophysiological mechanism and be used for evidence‐based patient education.