February 20, 2025 from Medscape
Regularly drinking beyond U.S. guidelines significantly raises the risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), especially among women, according to new research published in The American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. The study analyzed data from over 430,000 adults and found a clear association between high alcohol intake and increased CHD risk, particularly when combined with heavy episodic drinking.
Researchers categorized weekly alcohol intake based on recommended thresholds — no more than 14 drinks for men and 7 drinks for women. Participants were also asked about heavy episodic drinking (defined as 5+ drinks for men or 4+ for women in a single sitting at least once in the past three months).
Increased Risk Observed with High Intake and Binge Patterns
Participants who exceeded weekly alcohol limits had a 26% higher risk of developing CHD. Notably, women were more affected: their risk was 43% higher compared to women who drank within limits. Men had a 19% increased risk under the same conditions.
When high weekly intake was combined with binge drinking behavior, the numbers climbed further. CHD risk was 30% higher in men and 61% higher in women compared to those who stayed within recommended limits and didn’t report binge drinking.
“In a large, real-world, diverse population with a systematic alcohol screening program, having weekly alcohol intake above limits was associated with increased risk of CHD among young and middle-aged men and women,”
wrote lead author Dr. Jamal Rana and colleagues.
Implications for Gender-Specific Guidelines
The study also raises questions about whether equal alcohol guidelines for men and women are appropriate. The authors pointed to a narrowing gender gap in alcohol-related mortality, noting that
“These findings raise the question as to whether adopting absolute or equivalent limits of intake among women compared to men… may confer higher health risks on women.”
Understanding the Importance of Moderation
- Even modest exceedances of weekly alcohol recommendations can significantly raise CHD risk.
- Women appear more vulnerable to heart risks linked to alcohol, particularly when binge drinking is involved.
- Screening for both frequency and pattern of alcohol use may help identify individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk.
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