Alcohol Consumption Doubles Risk of Infectious Endocarditis, French Study Reveals
PARIS – A groundbreaking epidemiological study conducted in France has uncovered a startling link between heavy alcohol consumption and teh risk of developing infectious endocarditis. The research, presented at the European Days of the French Cardiology Society (JESFC 2025), reveals that patients who consume at least six standard glasses of alcohol daily face twice the risk of this life-threatening heart condition.The study analyzed data from 26 million patients hospitalized in France between 2019 and 2023, including over a million adults diagnosed with alcohol dependence. Shockingly, one in five men with endocarditis had a history of high alcohol consumption, either current or past.
“We will now have to question patients treated for endocarditis about their alcohol consumption,” emphasized Dr. Christine Selton-Suty (CHU Nancy-Brabois), who moderated the session. This marks the first time alcohol has been identified as a major risk factor for the disease.
Men at Greater Risk
The study also sheds light on the disproportionate impact of endocarditis on men. Men are twice as likely as women to develop the condition,a disparity that aligns with higher rates of problematic alcohol consumption among men.In countries with a Muslim majority, where alcohol consumption is minimal, the gender gap in endocarditis cases disappears, further supporting the link.
“No serious clarification has been found so far to explain why men are more affected,” noted Dr. Michael Schwarzinger (CHU de Bordeaux), the study’s led author.
Alcohol’s Role in Immunosuppression
Alcohol’s detrimental effects on the immune system may explain its connection to endocarditis. “Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with immunosuppression and an increased risk of bacterial infection,” Dr. Schwarzinger explained. This immunosuppression creates a fertile ground for infections, including those that lead to endocarditis.
The study relied on data from the Details Systems Medicalization Program (PMSI), which defines alcohol dependence as consuming at least six standard glasses daily—equivalent to 60 grams of alcohol.
Implications for Patient Care
The findings suggest that addictologists should play a role in the care pathway for patients with endocarditis,particularly those with excessive alcohol consumption. Currently, such interventions are reserved for patients with intravenous drug use, a well-established risk factor for the disease.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Study Period | 2019–2023 |
| Patients Analyzed | 26 million hospitalized patients, including 1 million with alcohol dependence |
| key Risk Factor | Heavy alcohol consumption (≥6 standard glasses/day) |
| Risk Increase | Twice as high in heavy drinkers |
| Gender Disparity | Men twice as likely as women to develop endocarditis |
| Immunosuppression Link | Alcohol weakens the immune system, increasing infection risk |
Future research Directions
While the study highlights the dangers of heavy drinking, the risk associated with moderate alcohol consumption remains unclear. “This will have to be the subject of other studies,” dr. Schwarzinger told Medscape French Edition.
as the medical community grapples with these findings, one thing is clear: addressing alcohol consumption could be a critical step in reducing the burden of infectious endocarditis.
For more insights into the study, visit the European Days of the French Cardiology Society;).
Alcohol Dependence and Endocarditis: A Reversible Risk with Abstinence
Infectious endocarditis, a serious heart condition, has been increasingly linked to alcohol dependence, according to recent studies.Researchers have found a strong correlation between excessive alcohol consumption and the risk of developing endocarditis, with the risk doubling in individuals with a history of alcohol dependence. Though, the good news is that this risk is reversible with abstinence, offering hope for those seeking to reduce their vulnerability.
The Link between alcohol and Endocarditis
Between 2019 and 2023, 1.1 million patients with alcohol dependence were hospitalized in France,with 75% being men. among these patients, 20% reported being abstinent. Alcohol dependence declarations in the PMSI database included patients admitted for withdrawal or those who had maintained abstinence for 20 to 30 years.
The prevalence of infectious endocarditis during this period was 0.1% among all hospitalized adults, with men accounting for 69% of cases. Notably, 15% of endocarditis patients had a history of alcohol dependence, with the rate rising to 19% in men aged 45 to 70.
Dr. Schwarzinger, a key researcher in this field, highlighted that “we find a dose effect with reversibility” on the level of risk, proportional to the duration of withdrawal. this finding underscores the importance of abstinence in mitigating the risk of endocarditis.
Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies
Dr. Selton-Suty, a cardiologist, emphasized that reducing the risk of endocarditis, including recurrence, requires better patient education, particularly on preventive measures. “The drop in alcohol consumption or the maintenance of abstinence could be integrated into prevention, in the same way as good oral hygiene,” she said.Recent epidemiological studies have identified additional risk factors, prompting a reevaluation of how infectious endocarditis is managed. For instance, oral procedures in pacemaker carriers have been associated with an increased risk of endocarditis within three months. Similarly, a congenital heart malformation known as interactive communication has been linked to a higher risk, contrary to previous beliefs.
Dr. François Goehringer of CHU de Nancy noted that invasive procedures, such as prostate resection, also pose a significant risk. “Any invasive act could be at risk,” he warned, highlighting the need for caution in medical interventions.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Key Point | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Alcohol Dependence Prevalence | 1.1 million hospitalizations (2019-2023); 75% men, 20% abstinent |
| Endocarditis Risk | Doubles with alcohol dependence; reversible with abstinence |
| High-Risk Groups | Men aged 45-70; pacemaker carriers; congenital heart malformations |
| Preventive Measures | Abstinence, oral hygiene, cautious invasive procedures |
Moving Forward
The findings underscore the importance of addressing alcohol dependence as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of infectious endocarditis. By integrating abstinence into prevention efforts and educating patients on risk factors, healthcare providers can make significant strides in combating this life-threatening condition.
For more insights on infectious endocarditis and preventive healthcare,
