Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Health Risks of Just One Hangover

The Health Risks of Just One Hangover

Toast to your health? Not so much: Binge drinking and hangovers increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, according to new Finnish research.

The 15-year study of over 2,600 men found that one or more hangovers per year was associated with up to a 3-fold greater risk for stroke compared to guys who didn’t report a morning-after meltdown. Among guys with high blood pressure, binge drinking—defined as six or more drinks during a single bender—boosted stroke risk by 2-fold.

Now, the occasional hangover probably won’t matter much in the long run. But heavy boozing can contribute to hypertension and increased cholesterol levels, which can put you at risk for coronary artery disease and stroke, says study author Sanna Rantakömi. One or two drinks per party can be safe, but if you have certain health issues that may impact your blood vessels or if there are some chronic diseases in your family such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease, consider cutting back since you’re already at a greater risk, Rantakömi says.

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