Another risk factor for heart disease is excessive alcohol intake — The risk of heart disease in people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol (an average of one drink for women per day) is lower than in nondrinkers.

However, it's not recommended that nondrinkers start using alcohol or increase the amount they drink.

Excessive drinking and binge drinking can contribute to obesity, high triglycerides, cancer and other diseases, raise blood pressure, cause heart failure and lead to stroke.

Pregnant women should not drink alcohol in any form.