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Binge drinking may elevate certain CV risk factors in young men
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Binge drinking was associated with elevated CV risk factors among young men, according to new research in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
According to the study, male binge drinkers had an elevated systolic BP and a more unfavorable lipid profile compared with non-binge drinkers. Binge drinking did not affect BP and lipid levels in women.
“Compared to previous generations, the pervasiveness, intensity (number of drinks) and regularity (several times per week) of binge drinking may place today’s young adult at greater risk for more profound rates of alcohol-attributable harm,” Mariann Piano, PhD, RN, from the Center for Research Development and Scholarship at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, said in a press release. “Young adults need to be aware that the consequences of repeated binge drinking may harm their hearts. The risk extends beyond poor school performance and increased risk for accidental injury.”
Parameters elevated
Piano and colleagues analyzed data from 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 National Health and Examination Survey to investigate the link between repeated binge drinking and BP as well as lipid and fasting glucose levels in adults aged 18 to 45 years. Participants were stratified into three groups: non-binge drinkers (group 1), binge drinking one to 12 times in the past year (group 2) or binge drinking more than 12 times in the past year (group 3).
After controlling for diet and physical activity, compared with non-binge drinkers, both categories of male binge drinkers had higher systolic BP (group 3, 121.8 mm Hg; group 2, 119 mm Hg; group 1, 117.5 mm Hg; P for group 1 vs. group 3 < .01; P for group 1 vs. group 2 = .04) and total cholesterol (group 3, 215.5 mg/dL; group 2, 217.9 mg/dL; group 1, 207.8 mg/dL; P for group 1 vs. group 3 = .01; P for group 1 vs. group 2 < .01).
The researchers found no effects of binge drinking on systolic BP or total cholesterol in women.
Among men and women, binge drinking was associated with higher HDL values, and there was no consistent relationship between binge drinking and glucose parameters.
“Implementing lifestyle interventions to reduce blood pressure in early adulthood may be an important strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease later in life,” Piano said in the release. “Young adults should be screened and counseled about alcohol misuse, including binge drinking, and advised on how binge drinking may affect their cardiovascular health.”
Individual choice
According to an editorial comment from Steven Bell, PhD, from the department of public health and primary care at the University of Cambridge, U.K., it is important for researchers to remember that the majority of those who consume alcohol do so responsibly, and that health is dynamic and there is no such thing as a one size-fits-all approach to managing risk.
“It is vital that an open and honest dialogue about alcohol consumption is initiated and maintained. What level of alcohol consumption might be considered acceptable for one individual may not be for another, equally, an individual might wish to consider changing their drinking habits if their situation changes,” he wrote. “Ultimately, our job boils down to empowering an individual to make an informed decision about their level of alcohol intake and how this may influence their long- and short-term health through transparent communication.” – by Dave Quaile
Disclosures: The authors and Bell report no relevant financial disclosures.
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