Effects of binge drinking on the heart?

[Tony Duckworth]

A friend of mine lost their father recently to a heart attack.  Apparently, just prior to the fatal heart attack, he had consumed a great deal of alcohol.  In fact, his blood-alcohol level was measured at .39.  My question is simply:  Could excessive binge drinking cause a heart attack?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thanks for your comments.

[27yrmale]

A related discussion, Heart problem was started.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Not directly although it may put an increased strain on the heart which could lead to problems.

[Yes]

Over-consumption of alcohol has a pronounced effect on the cardiovascular system ... it can cause the heart rate to increase, increase likelyhood of arrhythmias, cause an elevation in blood pressure (sometimes it can cause a reverse drop in pressure), chronic abuse can cause cardimyopathies.  Basically binge drinking puts a strain on the heart and other systems:  it could cause a heart attack in someone with pre-exisiting heart problems/disease or trigger an arrhythmia.