BINGE DRINKING AND HEART PROBLEMSThe impact of alcohol on risk of heart attacks and strokes

depends on how much and how often a person drink. Habitual moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a little lower risk of heart disease in both sexes, but the amount of alcohol associated with cardiovascular benefits is lower among women than among men. This benefit tends to develop as early as 24 hours and persist over time. Unfortunately, present binge drinking may reverse the heart-healthy benefits of moderate alcohol intake and harm our hearts.

WHAT IS BINGE DRINKING? Binge drinking is defined as five drinks or more in a row for men

on a given occasion, and four or more drinks for women in a row.

FREQUENT BINGE DRINKERS VS INFREQUENT BINGE DRINKERS

People are frequent binge drinkers when this occurs more than 12 times a year.

DANGER OF BINGE DRINKING ON HEARTBinge drinkers tend to experience approximately a 30 percent

higher risk of heart and brain problems the next week that includes heart attack and brain stroke. Youngster who binge drink alcohol will also face heart problems later in life. They are prone to more heart attacks, brain strokes and kidney problems over time. This problems are caused chiefly by raise of blood pressure, cholesterol, and development of heart beat irregularities that occurs in binge drinkers.

BINGE DRINKERS FACE FUTURE HEART PROBLEMSImpact of binge drinking differs a little among men and women.

Men who are frequent binge drinkers will tend to have higher blood pressure (Hypertension) and higher cholesterol levels. Young women who binge drink will develop higher levels of blood glucose, increasing their diabetes risk.

Higher blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and high blood glucose levels are powerful risk factors for heart problems, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure and death.

MODERATION IS KEY Like most things, moderation is key. While non-drinkers are advised not to habituate to alcohol, people who do enjoy alcohol should stick to the generally public health guidelines one drink a day or less for women and two drinks a day or less for men to promote heart health.