Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by compulsive alcohol seeking, loss of control
with regard to limiting intake, and persistent alcohol use despite awareness of the harmful con-
sequences such as alcoholic liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cirrhosis, and
neuropsychiatric disorders.
Heterogeneous associations exist between the level of alcohol consumption and the initial
presentation of CVD. Previous studies indicate that low-to-moderate levels of alcohol con-
sumption could reduce the risk of most CVDs. Thus, the relationship between alcohol con-
sumption and CVDs is complex and controversial [4]. Hence, to enhance the understanding
of the risk of CVDs associated with AUD, we conducted a large, nationwide, population-based
nested cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).
Alcohol has a strong effect on the human body and mind, even at low doses; its neurotoxic,
hepatotoxic, and carcinogenic properties make it a potent risk factor for disease burden [7].
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first national cohort study to establish a substantial
correlation between AUD and CVD. The results indicate that patients with AUD have an
increased risk of CVD. In addition, the risk of developing IHD and stroke was significantly
higher in patients with AUD than in those without AUD.
