Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks per day in the past three months for men and four or more drinks per day in the past three months for women.

The study found that women who did not binge drink but reported high alcohol intake had a 45% increased chance of developing heart disease compared to female participants who reported moderate alcohol intake.

Scientists also discovered that women who fit the binge drinking category increased their heart disease risk by 68%.

The study also found that male participants with high alcohol intake had a 15% higher risk of heart disease compared to those reporting moderate alcohol intake. Males with a high alcohol intake who also met the criteria for binge drinking had a 33% increased risk of heart disease.

The study also found that male participants with high alcohol intake and met the binge drinking category heightened their heart disease risk by 33% compared to those reporting moderate alcohol intake.

We know that excessive amounts of alcohol can contribute to an increase in blood pressure, dehydration, nutrient depletion, and displacement of, or an excess intake of, necessary and/or unnecessary calories. This can affect all organ systems, but specifically the strength and elasticity of the heart muscle, resiliency of the blood vessels, and lipid levels which in turn may increase risk factors or contribute to coronary heart disease.