Binge drinking may boost stroke risk

Researchers in Finland found that of nearly 16,000 adults followed for a decade those who said they sometimes binged on alcohol were more likely to suffer a first-time stroke than non-bingers, regardless of their overall drinking patterns.

Binge-drinking was defined as having six or more drinks at one sitting for men and four or more drinks for women.

The study showed that binge drinkers were 39 percent more likely to suffer a stroke.

Researchers say large doses of alcohol can cause spikes in blood pressure, increased blood clotting and heart-rhythm disturbances.

The study is published in the journal Stroke.