At Cross County Cardiology, we want to share important information about heart health. A new study found that young to middle-aged women who drank eight or more alcoholic drinks per week were much more likely to get heart disease than those who drank less. Dr. Jamal Rana and his team looked at data from over 430,000 adults aged 18-65 who went to Kaiser Permanente Northern California for primary care. On average, the participants were 44 years old (44% were women) and did not have heart disease at the start. During the four-year study, 3,108 participants were diagnosed with coronary heart disease.
Among women, those who drank a lot of alcohol had a 45% higher risk of getting heart disease compared to those who drank a little and a 29% higher risk compared to those who drank a moderate amount. Women who binge-drank (more than three drinks a day in the past three months) were 68% more likely to get heart disease compared to those who drank a moderate amount. Men who drank a lot of alcohol were 33% more likely to get heart disease compared to men who drank a moderate amount.
“**Women think they’re safe from heart disease until they’re older,” Dr. Rana said. “But this study shows that even when you’re young or middle-aged, if you drink a lot or binge drink, you are at risk for heart disease.”
What This Means
This study shows how drinking too much alcohol can affect your heart, especially for women. It's important to watch how much you drink to lower your chances of getting heart disease, even if you're young.
What Women Should Know
Many women believe they won't get heart disease until they're older. But this study shows that drinking too much can increase the risk of heart disease even in younger women. It’s important to be aware of this risk and try to drink less.
Tips to Stay Healthy
- Watch Your Drinking:
- Keep track of how much alcohol you drink each week. Try to drink less to stay healthy.
- Learn the Risks:
- Understand how drinking too much can harm your heart and overall health.
- Get Help if Needed:
- If you find it hard to drink less, talk to a doctor or join a support group.
Conclusion
At Cross County Cardiology, we want to give you the best information to help you stay healthy. This study is a good reminder of how drinking too much alcohol can be bad for your heart. By knowing the risks and taking steps to drink less, you can protect your heart and stay healthy.
For more information and advice, contact us at Cross County Cardiology. We’re here to help you keep your heart healthy.
Stay informed. Stay healthy.
