Smoking, alcohol and coronary artery occlusion.

The effects of smoking and alcohol intake on the extent of coronary artery occlusion were studied in 2989 men undergoing a diagnostic coronary arteriography. Smoking showed an exposure-related enhancing effect on the extent of coronary artery occlusion. Conversely, alcohol consumption demonstrated an attenuating dose-related effect, offsetting the increased coronary occlusion associated with smoking. Alcohol intake should be considered in studies evaluating the risk factors--coronary artery disease interaction.