The study presented at the 2024 Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology revealed a link between moderate to high alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing heart disease, particularly in women. Led by Dr. Jamal Rana at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, the study enrolled 430,000 participants over a two-year period and monitored them for the development of coronary artery disease, a condition affecting the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle. Those who reported high levels of alcohol intake, especially women, were found to have a significantly higher likelihood of developing heart disease compared to those with low or moderate intake.
The study classified alcohol consumption into four categories: low intake (one to two drinks per week), moderate intake (three to 14 drinks per week for men and three to seven drinks per week for women), high intake (15 or more drinks per week for men and eight or more drinks per week for women), and binge drinking (four or more drinks in one day for men and three or more drinks in one day for women). Over the following four years, just over 3,000 participants developed coronary artery disease, with those reporting high alcohol intake having a higher likelihood of developing heart disease. Men with high intake had a 33% higher likelihood than those with moderate intake, while women with high intake had a 45% higher likelihood compared to those with low intake and a 29% higher likelihood compared to those with moderate intake.
Historically, women were thought to have a lower risk of heart disease than men due to the protective effects of estrogen. However, heart disease is now the leading cause of death in women in the United States, with coronary artery disease being the most common cause of heart disease and death in women. High blood pressure, often linked to alcohol consumption, is a major risk factor for heart disease in women. Many cases of heart disease in women go unrecognized, with symptoms often misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal or mental health issues. Understanding gender-specific risk factors, such as early- or late-onset menarche, PCOS, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy-related disorders, and the menopause transition, is crucial in assessing the risk of heart disease in women, including the impact of alcohol consumption.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering alcohol consumption as a risk factor for heart disease in both men and women, with women showing a particularly higher risk associated with high levels of alcohol intake. Recognizing the impact of alcohol consumption on heart health, especially among women, can help improve prevention efforts and reduce the burden of heart disease. It is clear that more research is needed to further explore the relationship between alcohol consumption and heart disease, as well as to develop targeted interventions to address this issue. By raising awareness of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, healthcare providers can better support patients in making informed decisions about their drinking habits and overall heart health.
