In Europe in 2006, 28% of the population more than 15 years of age reported that they consumed five or more alcoholic drinks (50 g alcohol) on one occasion at least once a week,3 but the prevalence of binge drinking varied considerably across countries. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that excessive alcohol drinking is responsible for approximately 79 000 deaths a year in the United States.4 Conversely, many observational studies have reported inverse associations between some behaviours related to alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart disease.5 6 7 8 9 10
