SAN FRANCISCO, California – A recent study conducted by Kaiser Permanente Northern California revealed a concerning link between alcohol consumption and the development of coronary heart disease in women. The research found that young to middle-aged women who consume more than one alcoholic beverage per day are at a higher risk of developing the disease compared to those who drink less.
The study, which will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, analyzed data from over 400,000 adults aged 18 to 65. Participants were categorized based on their alcohol intake, with those who reported drinking eight or more beverages per week showing a 33 to 51 percent higher likelihood of developing coronary heart disease. Additionally, women who engaged in binge drinking were 68 percent more likely to develop the condition.
Dr. Jamal Rana, lead author of the study and a cardiologist with the Permanente Medical Group, emphasized the importance of the findings, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of alcohol use among women. He noted that even within the young and middle-aged demographic, women exceeding the recommended daily alcohol intake are at risk for coronary heart disease.
While previous studies suggested a protective effect of alcohol on heart health, more recent evidence challenges this notion, according to Dr. Rana. The study’s results underscore the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption, especially for women, as coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death among American women.
The findings also shed light on the rising trend of alcohol use among women, with approximately 13 percent of adult women reporting binge drinking. Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a clinical associate professor of medicine, highlighted the detrimental impact of alcohol on heart health, noting its association with increased blood pressure and heart rhythm problems, particularly during binge drinking episodes.
Women’s unique physiological differences make them more susceptible to the negative effects of alcohol on heart health, according to Dr. C. Noel Bairey Merz, director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center. She emphasized the need for heightened awareness among women regarding the risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption.
Despite the potential reversibility of some alcohol-related risks upon reducing or abstaining from drinking, long-term heavy drinking can lead to irreversible heart damage. Experts recommend moderation and awareness of one’s alcohol consumption to mitigate the risks of developing coronary heart disease.