A new study reveals the average amount of cocktails women consume per day and their risk of developing heart disease. A study by Kaiser Permanente in Northern California looked at data from more than 430,000 people over a four-year period. It was found that women who drank multiple alcoholic drinks per day were more likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease.

Dr. Celine Gounder of WTOP

The transcript below has been lightly edited for clarity.

Ann Kramer: We’re joined now by CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder. Dr. Gounder. It’s good to have her back. Over the years, we’ve heard various stories that some of the alcohol we drink may be good for the heart. So how does this challenge that thought process?

Dr. Celine Gounder, CBS News Medical Contributor: This study shows that women who drink particularly heavily or binge eat are at higher risk for heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack, but also other heart conditions such as arrhythmias and heart enlargement. It has also been shown that there is an increased risk of disease. of the heart.

Sean Anderson: Why are women at higher risk for this than men?

Dr. Celine Gounder: The biggest factor is that women are smaller and metabolize differently due to their smaller size. There are other factors, but size is probably the biggest one.

Ann Kramer: Dr. Gounder, when it comes to “shall we have a drink?” we are almost bombarded with too much information. Is it better not to drink drinks? What should you do if you want to have dinner or a glass of wine with friends to stay healthy? What is the key focus here?

Dr. Celine Gounder: I thought it would be helpful to re-emphasize the definitions I’m using here. Therefore, in this study, heavy drinking for women was defined as eight or more drinks per week, or on average one or more drinks per day. Additionally, within the past 3 months, the woman has binge-drinked or consumed more than 3 drinks per day. So I think it’s a lower level of drinking than people would consider dangerous. So one of the messages here is, unfortunately, there is no level of alcohol use that can be considered safe. However, a certain amount of judgment and moderation is required in how we consume. I think it’s unrealistic to expect everyone to quit drinking given this information.

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