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Alcohol consumption is the third most-important modifiable risk factor for disability and death worldwide, but its association with health is complex. Moderate intake might lower risk for myocardial infarction (MI), whereas risk for some cancers rises with total intake over time, and heavy episodic intake is associated with excess risk for trauma and sudden cardiac death. Although patterns of alcohol use vary regionally, most data on alcohol and health have come from upper-income countries.
In this prospective cohort study, researchers analyzed data from nearly 115,000 adults (age range, 35–70) in 12 countries that varied considerably in average income. Participants were queried at baseline about their quantity, pattern, and type of alcohol …