Potential risks of alcohol for women

Although moderate alcohol use may be helpful for some women’s heart health, excessive alcohol use is very harmful. In women, regular heavy drinking can lead to any of the following:

• High blood pressure (hypertension). Regular drinking of more than moderate amounts has been found to greatly increase a woman’s chance of high blood pressure. High blood pressure puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of having either a heart attack or a stroke.
  
  
• Alcoholic cardiomyopathy. A weakening and damage to the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
  
  
• High triglyceride levels and other fats in the blood. These high levels are serious risk factors for hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and heart disease.
  
  
• Arrhythmias. Excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
  
  
• Breast cancer. The National Institutes of Health believe there is a link to breast cancer and alcohol consumption, more so when a family history of breast cancer exists. Recent studies have shown that even moderate alcohol use may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer by up to nine percent.
  
  
• Bone disease. Osteoporosis has shown to be increased with excessive alcohol consumption. Decreased bone density increases the risk of falls and fractures.
  
  
• Alzheimer’s disease. Women who consume excessive alcohol have a greater risk than men for developing Alzheimers disease.
  
  
• Gynecological concerns. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are concerned that fertility and miscarriages are related to alcohol consumption. Women who drink alcohol while pregnant may also be at risk for babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome.
  
  
• Alcohol/medication interaction. It is advised that women who like to drink alcohol check with their doctor about possible interactions that could occur with alcohol and prescribed medication.

In addition to the recommendation against heavy alcohol use, there are a number of women who are advised to avoid alcohol altogether:

• Because alcohol has a negative effect on fertility and an unborn child, the American Heart Association states that all women who are pregnant, may be pregnant and/or are trying to get pregnant should avoid alcohol altogether.
  
  
• Alcohol should be avoided while breast-feeding because alcohol can be carried by the milk directly to the nursing infant.
  
  
• Women who are trying to lose weight are encouraged to avoid alcohol, which does not provide nutritional benefits such as vitamins, and contains a high amount of calories.
  
  
• Women with a family history of alcoholism are encouraged to avoid alcohol use because they are particularly vulnerable to developing alcoholism themselves. Those with a personal history of alcoholism are also urged to avoid alcohol.