Binge Drinking May Lead to Higher Risk of Heart Disease

Researchers have uncovered a link between binge drinking and an increased risk for heart disease. Most people already assume such a link, but what makes this research more useful is the fact that the same amount of alcohol consumed over a week does not necessarily increase one's risk for heart disease.

A group of approximately 9,800 men was examined for ten years. The group was split up with men in three areas in France, and Belfast, Ireland. The men in France spread their drinking out over the course of a week, whereas the men in Belfast concentrated their drinking over a couple of days, usually over the weekend. Nearly all the participants in Belfast were classified as binge drinkers, drinking over 50 grams of alcohol in a short period of time. 50 grams equates to 4-5 drinks and 125 mL of wine or a half-pint of beer.

Researchers determined that binge drinking was twenty times more prevalent in Belfast than in France. The binge drinkers had double the risk of ischemic heart disease, as compared to those who drank moderately throughout the week. The drinkers in Belfast also drank more beer and spirits, while those in France drank more wine. The combination of binge drinking of beer and spirits as opposed to the moderate drinking of wine greatly increased the mens' risk for heart disease.

Finally as a side note, those who binge drink also have increased risks for liver cirrhosis and various cancers. Those who binge drink greatly (and unnecessarily) increase their susceptibility to life-threatening conditions.

I found this article interesting because it is widely accepted that moderate alcohol consumption can actually lower one's risk of heart disease. However the benefits are negated with consumption in excess over a short period of time. Also, as college is already an extremely stressful environment, those who binge drink often end up increasing their risk for heart disease at an early age. As a future cardiologist, these observations are disturbing, because ultimately most of the people who participate in binge drinking will need some sort of cardiovascular intervention at an older age.

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123191310.htm