MedWire News: People who consume a lot of alcohol are significantly increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease and heart problems, researchers warn.

"We want to make sure people aren't getting mixed messages about alcohol. The potentially fatal effects of heavy drinking may more than counteract the well documented [cardiovascular] benefits of sensible alcohol intake," said Dr Azra Mahmud, from St James Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, and colleagues.

The researchers studied alcohol intake, arterial stiffness and heart structure and function in 200 men and women, aged an average of 46 years, who were undergoing health checks for possible high blood pressure.

Analysis showed that men who drank more than 21 units of alcohol a week had significantly higher blood pressure, stiffer arteries and more rigid heart muscles than those who drank less than 21 units of alcohol a week.

Among women, those who drank more than 14 units of alcohol a week had significantly larger hearts - a sign of heart stress - than women who drank less than this amount.

"These shocking findings illustrate the extreme risks that heavy drinkers are exposing themselves to, some of which are particularly pronounced in women," said Dr Mahmud.

He concluded: "Trends in heavy drinking continue to rise, and it is high time to recognise the potential of an alcohol-induced epidemic of cardiovascular disease.

"Binge and heavy drinkers must consider their behaviour and control their intake before it's too late."

The research was presented at the American Society of Hypertension's Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.