- 1Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
- 2Department of Physical Therapy, , University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
- 3Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract
Worldwide,
binge drinking is a major public health problem. The popularized health
risks associated with binge drinking include physical injury and motor
vehicle crashes; less attention has been given to the negative effects
on the cardiovascular (CV) system. The primary aims of this review were
to provide a summary of the adverse effects of binge drinking on the
risk and development of CV disease and to review potential
pathophysiologic mechanisms. Using specific inclusion criteria, an
integrative review was conducted that included data from human
experimental, prospective cross-sectional, and cohort epidemiological
studies that examined the association between binge drinking and CV
conditions such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and
arrhythmias. Studies were identified that examined the relationship
between binge drinking and CV outcomes. Collectively, findings support
that binge drinking is associated with a higher risk of
pre-hypertension, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke in
middle-aged and older adults. Binge drinking may also have adverse CV
effects in young adults (aged 18-30). Mechanisms remain incompletely
understood; however, available evidence suggests that binge drinking may
induce oxidative stress and vascular injury and be pro-atherogenic.
Public health messages regarding binge drinking need to include the
effects of binge drinking on the cardiovascular system. This article is
protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Alcohol; binge drinking; cardiovascular conditions; myocardial infarction; stroke
