A recent study conducted by the American College of Cardiology has shed light on the risks of alcohol consumption for women’s heart health. The study, led by Dr. Jamal Rana of Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, analyzed data from over 432,000 individuals aged 18 to 65 with no history of heart disease or stroke.
The study, which lasted from 2014 to 2015 and followed up for four years afterward, found that women who drink more than eight alcoholic beverages a week are at a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who drink less. Additionally, women who engage in binge drinking are at an even greater risk.
According to the study, low alcohol intake is considered to be 1-2 drinks a week, while moderate intake is 3-14 drinks a week for men and 3-7 drinks a week for women. High intake is defined as 15 or more drinks a week for men and 8 or more drinks a week for women. Women with a high alcohol intake level had a 33%-51% higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those with a low intake level.
The study also found that binge drinking was associated with a significant increase in the risk of heart disease. Dr. Rana stressed the importance of raising awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption for heart health, particularly among women.
The results of the study will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session in April. The study underscores the need for routine health assessments to include questions about alcohol use, highlighting the importance of monitoring alcohol consumption for heart disease prevention.
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