Many studies have shown that moderate drinking can promote cardiac health. But Reuters reported March 14 that calcification of coronary arteries increased along with the rate of alcohol consumption. The San Francisco study tracked a group of 3,037 people ages 33 to 45 over a 15-year period.

Researchers found that while 8 percent of nondrinkers showed signs of arteriosclerosis, the rate increased to 9 percent among those who had up to six drinks per week, to 13 percent among drinkers who consumed 7-13 drinks per week, and to 19 percent among those who had 14 drinks or more weekly.

The patterns were especially notable among black men and binge drinkers, the researchers said. The study was published in the March 1 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Pletcher, M., et al. (2005) Alcohol Consumption, Binge Drinking, and Early Coronary Calcification: Findings from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 161(5): 423-433.

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