Binge drinking is bad, but it may be worse for women.
New research highlights the significant cardiovascular risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking, with a heightened concern for women’s heart health.
Dr. Jamal Rana, a cardiologist from the Permanente Medical Group in Oakland, California, led the study, which analyzed data from over 430,000 adults under 65 in California. The findings revealed a concerning trend: both men and women faced increased heart disease risks with excess alcohol intake, but women, in particular, were at elevated risk, even without binge drinking.
Presenting their findings at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting in Atlanta on April 6, the researchers observed the heart health of participants receiving care from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California integrated health organization. None of the participants had a history of heart disease at the study’s onset, and their alcohol consumption was regularly monitored.
The study categorized participants into three groups based on alcohol intake: low, moderate, and high. Binge drinking, defined as consuming more than four drinks for men or three drinks for women in a single day within the past three months, was also tracked. Over the four-year follow-up, more than 3,100 participants developed heart disease.
The results revealed a clear association between alcohol intake and heart disease risk. Women in the high alcohol consumption category had a 45% higher risk of heart disease compared to those with low intake. Binge drinkers faced even greater risks, with a 68% higher likelihood of heart disease compared to moderate drinkers. Men also experienced increased heart disease risk with higher alcohol intake, though to a lesser extent.
Dr. Rana emphasized the urgency of the findings for women’s heart health, challenging the perception that they are protected from heart disease until older age. Alcohol consumption can adversely affect heart health by impacting blood pressure, coagulation, cholesterol levels, and heart rhythm.
Dr. Sean Heffron, a cardiologist from NYU Langone Heart, highlighted the differences in alcohol metabolism between men and women, which may contribute to women’s heightened vulnerability.
These findings underscore the need for greater awareness of the cardiovascular risks associated with alcohol consumption. Dr. Rana advocates for alcohol screening to be incorporated into routine health assessments to better identify individuals at risk for heart disease. While the study’s findings are preliminary and await peer review, they provide valuable insights into the importance of alcohol moderation for heart health.
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