Gen X and Millennial women at greatest risk for heart disease from drinking

A new study says young to middle-aged women who drink 8 or more alcoholic beverages per week — more than one per day, on average — were 33% to 51% more likely to develop coronary heart disease.

The hits on alcohol just keep coming; so much for that warm, wistful belief that red wine is good for our hearts. In a new study, women who reported drinking 8 or more alcoholic beverages per week were significantly more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who drank less.

This is a huge study; you don’t want to ignore it. More than 400,000 people ages 18 to 65 who did not have a history of heart disease or stroke were followed for four years to identify risks tied to coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed, limiting blood flow.

The study found that young to middle-aged women who reported drinking 8 or more alcoholic beverages per week were 33% to 51% more likely to develop coronary heart disease compared with those who drank less. The highest risk was seen in women and men who reported heavy episodic or “binge” drinking. Women in this category were 68% more likely to develop heart disease compared with women reporting moderate intake.

As we read this, we couldn’t help but think that many (most?) people who are asked by doctors about alcohol use probably under-report. Fibbing to others is one thing; but when our heart health is involved, probably a good time to not lie to ourselves.