Baseline characteristics stratified by level of alcohol consumption are shown in table 2. Irrespective of centre, higher alcohol consumption was associated with increased levels of smoking; higher total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1, and triglyceride levels; and raised blood pressure (P=0.001 for all). In France, non-drinkers were more likely to be receiving treatment for diabetes (P=0.003), and higher alcohol consumption was associated with higher body mass index, waist circumference, and apolipoprotein B levels. Low educational level was associated with non-drinking in France but with the heaviest drinking in Belfast (P=0.001 for both).
