Interrelationship between coronary artery occlusion, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and alcohol intake.

The interrelationships between coronary artery occlusion, alcohol consumption, and plasma levels of HDL cholesterol were investigated in 718 male patients undergoing coronary arteriography. A statistically significant inverse relationship was seen between the extent of coronary occlusion and alcohol intake and between coronary occlusion and plasma HDL cholesterol levels. A positive association was observed between the amounts of alcohol consumed and plasma HDL cholesterol levels, as well as between alcohol consumption and history of smoking. The findings of the present study suggest that the "retarding" effect of alcohol on coronary artery disease may be at least partially explained by the alcohol-induced rise of plasma HDL cholesterol.