LOS ANGELES, April 3 — A U.S. study links alcohol consumption to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This is especially true for women, for whom even moderate alcohol consumption can significantly increase the risk.

Women who drink alcohol have a higher risk of developing heart disease, according to a study by scientists at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. The study, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Sessions, analyzed data from 430,000 people between the ages of 18 and 65.

Participants did not have heart disease at baseline to study the association between alcohol intake and risk of developing coronary heart disease over a four-year follow-up. At the end of the study period, 3,018 participants were diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Scientists noted that the incidence of this condition increases with alcohol intake level.

Additionally, the association between alcohol and cardiovascular disease appears to be stronger in women. Women who reported heavy drinking (8 or more drinks per week) had a 45% higher risk of heart disease than women who reported moderate drinking (3 to 7 drinks per week), whereas men’s risk was 33% higher. %was. Women who reported moderate drinking had a 29% higher risk than women who reported low intake (1 to 2 drinks per week). Women who drank heavily (three or more drinks per day) were 68% more likely to develop heart disease than women who reported moderate alcohol consumption.

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“We found that women were consistently at higher risk, even in the absence of binge drinking,” study lead author Jamal Rana said in a news release. “Women feel protected from heart disease until they get older, but this study shows that even in young or middle age, if you drink a lot of alcohol or binge eat, This indicates that you are at risk for heart disease. “

The study’s authors note that alcohol can increase blood pressure and cause “inflammation and obesity-related metabolic changes.” She added that women process alcohol differently than men, which changes the risk.

Despite some limitations to consider (particularly the declarative nature of the responses), this study “calls attention to the health risks of alcohol consumption and encourages consideration of alcohol use in heart disease risk assessment and prevention efforts.” It emphasizes the importance of doing so.”

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“When we think of heart disease, the first thing that comes to mind is smoking, and we don’t think of alcohol as a vital sign,” says Jamal Rana. “I think there needs to be more awareness. From now on, alcohol should be part of regular health checkups.” — ETX Studio