Aim of the study: Is there a difference in the alcohol consumption of executives and the normal population? Methods: We investigated the alcohol consumption of executives participating in a health check-up (PREVENT programme). On the basis of the alcohol anamnesis we calculated the average amount of pure alcohol consumed daily. Furthermore, the following data were recorded: biometrical data, total cholesterol, HDL/LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, γ-GT and blood pressure. 303 subjects were included in the statistical analysis. Results: With increasing alcohol consumption typical health problems were seen with significant increases in triglycerides, γ-GT and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic). Subjects who drank more than 41 g pure alcohol also smoked more frequently. Executives prefer wine in comparison to the rest of the population. The percentage of executives who consume critical (> 41 g) and large (> 61 g) amounts of alcohol was found to be greater than that in the rest of the population. The results of the study show that alcohol consumption in executives is as widespread as in the whole population. As a result of the different methods of investigation, comparison of the alcohol consumption of executives with that of the normal population is, however, limited. Conclusions: Alcohol consumption seems to be greatly underestimated by routine questioning. A more accurate alcohol history is essential from a medical point of view to yield a realistic estimation of the actual alcohol consumption. In medical examinations this should be taken into consideration.
