How Does Alcohol Consumption Affect Stroke Risk from a Toxicological Perspective?
Alcohol consumption is a well-known modifiable risk factor for stroke. While moderate alcohol intake might have some protective cardiovascular effects, excessive consumption is toxic and can lead to hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and atrial fibrillation. These conditions increase the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Furthermore, alcohol can disrupt liver function, resulting in impaired detoxification processes and increased levels of harmful metabolites that may contribute to stroke risk.