Alcohol and women a bad mix for heart health: Study
More than 1 alcoholic drink raises women's risk of heart disease Deseret News
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Study Finds Link Between Alcohol Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease in Women
A new study, which will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in April, reveals that young and middle-aged women who consume more than one alcoholic beverage per day are at a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those who drink less. The study also highlights the strong link between alcohol and heart disease in women, even without binge drinking.
The Impact of Alcohol on Heart Disease
Coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease and a leading cause of death among women in the U.S., occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. While the risk of coronary artery disease increases after menopause due to hormonal changes, this study challenges the belief that younger women are at a lower risk. The study suggests that alcohol consumption may play a role in increasing the risk of heart disease in younger women.
Alcohol is known to raise blood pressure, cause metabolic changes associated with inflammation and obesity, and affect men and women differently. The researchers emphasize the need for greater awareness of the impact of alcohol on heart disease and recommend including alcohol consumption as part of routine health assessments.
Study Findings and Recommendations
The study, conducted by researchers from The Permanente Medical Group and Kaiser Permanente Northern California, analyzed data from over 430,000 individuals aged 18 to 65 who did not have heart disease at the beginning of the study. Participants were asked about their alcohol intake during primary care visits and were categorized into low, moderate, or high intake groups. Binge drinking was also assessed separately.
The findings revealed that women with high alcohol intake but no binge drinking had a 45% higher risk of heart disease compared to those with low intake, and a 29% higher risk compared to those with moderate consumption. Women who engaged in binge drinking were 68% more likely to develop heart disease. Among men, high levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a 33% higher risk of heart disease.
These results highlight the need for increased awareness and education regarding the risks of alcohol consumption, particularly among young and middle-aged women. The study’s authors suggest that alcohol should be included as a vital sign in routine health assessments to better identify individuals at risk of developing heart disease.
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of addressing alcohol consumption as a risk factor for coronary heart disease, especially among women. By promoting awareness and integrating alcohol assessment into routine healthcare practices, healthcare professionals can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to good health and well-being (SDG 3) and gender equality (SDG 5). By identifying and addressing alcohol-related risks, we can work towards reducing the burden of heart disease and improving overall health outcomes.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content
- SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- SDG 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article
- Alcohol consumption levels (low, moderate, high)
- Binge drinking episodes (number of drinks in a single day)
- Risk of heart disease (percentage increase based on alcohol consumption)
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | – Risk of heart disease (percentage increase based on alcohol consumption) |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | – Alcohol consumption levels (low, moderate, high) – Binge drinking episodes (number of drinks in a single day) |
The article addresses the issue of the increased risk of coronary heart disease among young and middle-aged women who consume more than one alcoholic beverage a day. This issue is connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, specifically Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. The article highlights the higher risk of heart disease among women, emphasizing the need for prevention and treatment.
The article also touches on gender equality, as it discusses the increasing alcohol consumption and binge drinking among women. This connects to SDG 5: Gender Equality, particularly Target 5.5, which focuses on ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities in various aspects of life, including decision-making. The article suggests that more awareness is needed regarding the risks associated with alcohol consumption among women.
The indicators mentioned in the article include alcohol consumption levels (low, moderate, high), binge drinking episodes (number of drinks in a single day), and the risk of heart disease (percentage increase based on alcohol consumption). These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets, such as monitoring changes in alcohol consumption patterns among women and assessing the impact on heart disease rates.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: deseret.com
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