Top in cardiology: Effects of alcohol on blood pressure; ‘magic number’ of daily steps

Any level of alcohol consumption was associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure, with data showing no indication of an exposure-effect threshold, according to researchers.

“Alcohol is certainly not the sole driver of increases in BP; however, our findings confirm it contributes in a meaningful way,” Marco Vinceti, MD, PhD, a professor of epidemiology and public health at University of Modena Medical School and Reggio Emilia University in Italy, said in a press release. “Limiting alcohol intake is advised and avoiding it is even better.”

It was the top story in cardiology last week.

In another top story, a cardiologist shared his views on the popular idea that 10,000 steps per day is a “magic number” linked to overall health improvements, including cardiovascular outcomes.

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

Any alcohol consumption risk factor for high blood pressure

As little as one alcoholic drink per day is associated with a linear increase in systolic blood pressure, even for people without hypertension, data from a meta-analysis of international studies show. Read more.

Is 10,000 steps per day the ‘magic number’? A cardiologist weighs in

Data show that the commonly used metric of 10,000 steps per day is associated with improvements to overall and cardiovascular health, but the number likely is an overestimate and benefits vary by age and sex, according to a speaker. Read more.

Older vs. younger adults derive more benefit from statins

Older adults derive greater LDL benefits after initiating statin therapy compared with younger adults, regardless of whether statins are prescribed for primary or secondary prevention or to people with diabetes, researchers reported. Read more.

For shock-resistant AF, traditional measures ‘fail to capture’ ablation’s true benefit

Implantable device data show patients with shock-resistant atrial fibrillation fare better than conventional analyses demonstrate, experiencing a marked reduction in atrial tachyarrhythmia burden despite modest arrhythmia-free survival. Read more.

Aggressive intervention may mediate stroke risk factor disparities for Black patients

Large differences in some modifiable risk factors for stroke between Black and non-Black patients were resolved after a 1-year intensive intervention that included medical management, follow-up and lifestyle coaching, researchers reported. Read more.