Alarming Heart Disease Warning For Heavy Drinkers
As more scientific evidence emerges about the negative effects of alcohol, it becomes increasingly clear that excessive drinking poses significant health risks. A recent study published on February 7, 2025, in The American Journal of Preventive Cardiology reveals a concerning link between heavy alcohol consumption and an elevated risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), particularly among women but also affecting men. Here’s a breakdown of the study’s findings and some key tips for maintaining heart health if you choose to drink.
The research, led by Dr. Jamal S. Rana of The Permanente Medical Group in Oakland, California, aimed to “investigate the relationship between excessive alcohol use and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in adults aged 18 to 65.” The study, supported by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, involved over 432,000 U.S. adults with an average age of 43.5, who self-reported their weekly drinking habits. Excessive drinking was defined as more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than seven drinks per week for women.
After a median follow-up period of four years, the study found that those who exceeded these drinking limits had a 26% higher risk of developing CHD compared to moderate drinkers. Women, in particular, faced a 43% higher risk, while men had a 19% increased risk.
The researchers also examined the impact of “heavy episodic drinking,” defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more for women on a single occasion within the previous three months. The results indicated that people who drank excessively and engaged in heavy episodic drinking had an even greater risk of CHD: 30% for men and a staggering 61% for women.
The study authors suggested that the increased risk for women may be due to their smaller body size and lower tolerance for alcohol, making them more vulnerable to its harmful effects, even at moderate levels. They also raised concerns about the potential risks for women if alcohol consumption limits are made equivalent to men’s, especially as the gender gap in alcohol-related deaths continues to narrow in the U.S.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that excessive drinking increases the risk of heart disease for both men and women. Despite the higher risk for women, the authors emphasized that everyone should stick to the recommended alcohol consumption limits: 1-14 drinks per week for men and 1-7 drinks per week for women.
To help manage your alcohol intake, here are a few strategies:
- Track your weekly alcohol consumption.
- Reduce binge drinking by alternating alcoholic beverages with water.
- Avoid drinking more than five drinks in a day for men and four drinks in a day for women.
- If you’re struggling to cut back, consider seeking help from a doctor or joining a support group.
Staying within these limits and monitoring your alcohol intake can help protect your heart and overall health.
Discussion about this post