More than one alcoholic drink a day raises heart disease risk for women

Risk of Coronary Heart Disease Higher in Women Who Consume More Alcohol

According to new research conducted by Kaiser Permanente Northern California, young to 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 found that women who reported drinking eight or more alcoholic beverages per week had a 33 to 51 percent higher likelihood of developing coronary heart disease. Additionally, women who engaged in binge drinking, consuming three alcoholic beverages per day, were 68 percent more likely to develop the disease compared to moderate drinkers.

The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. The research highlights the importance of addressing alcohol consumption among young and middle-aged women to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Alcohol Consumption Linked to Higher Incidence of Coronary Heart Disease

The study analyzed data from 432,265 adults aged 18 to 65 who received care in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California integrated health organization. Participants were divided into three groups based on their alcohol intake: low, moderate, and high. The findings revealed that higher levels of alcohol consumption were associated with a higher incidence of coronary heart disease. Both men and women who engaged in binge drinking had the highest risk. The study emphasized the strong link between alcohol and coronary heart disease, particularly among women.

Alcohol Poses Risks to Heart Health

Alcohol is considered a toxin to the heart and can lead to various health issues. It raises blood pressure, increases the risk of heart rhythm problems, and can cause an enlarged heart. Alcohol also has toxic effects on the heart muscle. The study challenges the previous notion that alcohol is beneficial for heart health and highlights the need for caution in alcohol consumption.

Alcohol Use Among Women on the Rise

The study’s findings are concerning given the increasing alcohol use among women. Studies have shown that the gender gap in alcohol consumption is closing, with more women reporting binge drinking. Approximately 13 percent of adult women engage in binge drinking, with a significant proportion consuming alcohol on a weekly basis. The rise in alcohol-related deaths among women, particularly among those aged 65 and older, further highlights the need to address this issue.

Effects of Occasional Binge Drinking on Heart Health

The study revealed that even occasional drinking, if it reaches the level of binge drinking, can have detrimental effects on heart health. It is important to recognize that occasional binge drinking can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, regardless of overall alcohol consumption. The experts emphasize that alcohol is not prescribed as a means to combat heart disease.

Women Are More Vulnerable to Alcohol’s Effects on Heart Health

Women are more adversely affected by alcohol compared to men when it comes to heart health. Biological differences, such as body size, metabolism, blood pressure, and liver function, contribute to the increased vulnerability of women. It is crucial to acknowledge these differences and raise awareness about the potential risks of alcohol consumption for women’s heart health.

While it is possible to mitigate some of the negative effects of alcohol by reducing or stopping consumption, long-term heavy drinking can lead to irreversible damage, such as heart enlargement. The degree of improvement in heart health depends on factors such as age and duration of alcohol consumption.