By Lois M. Collins

Young and middle-aged women who average more than one alcoholic beverage a day are more likely to develop coronary heart disease than peers who drink less, according to a new study that will be presented in April at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session.

While that risk is especially high among binge drinkers, whether men or women, the researchers find the link between alcohol and heart disease particularly strong for women.

“When it comes to binge drinking, both men and women with excess alcohol consumption had a higher risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Jamal Rana, a cardiologist with The Permanente Medical Group, adjunct investigator in the Division of Research at Kaiser Permanente Northern California and the study’s lead author, in a written statement. “For women, we find consistently higher risk even without binge drinking. I wasn’t expecting these results among women in this lower age group because we usually see increased risk for heart disease among older women. It was definitely surprising.”

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the U.S. for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plaque in the walls of the arteries limits blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, hormone changes increase the risk of coronary artery disease, but many have considered risk low for younger women. This study casts doubt on that if women drink. Other common heart disease types in women are arrhythmia and heart failure.

Per the release, alcohol is known to raise blood pressure and cause metabolic changes that are associated with inflammation and obesity. Additionally, men and women process alcohol differently.

“When it comes to heart disease, the No. 1 thing that comes to mind is smoking and we do not think about alcohol as one of the vital signs,” Rana said. “I think a lot more awareness is needed, and alcohol should be part of routine health assessments moving forward.”

https://www.deseret.com/lifestyle/2024/03/29/women-drinking-alcohol-could-develop-heart-disease/