Daily variations in deaths in Lithuania: the possible contribution of binge drinking

Abstract

The increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases observed at the weekend in Lithuania is similar to that observed in Moscow and other populations. The relationship with alcohol consumption is supported by the available physiological evidence. We propose that bingeing can be solely responsible for, or acts as a 'catalyst' for, pathophysiological events by increasing blood pressure, cardiac rhythm and coagulability. The increased IHD mortality observed throughout the weekend and on Monday in Lithuania may reflect the influence of alcohol consumption patterns in a population already subject to high psychosocial stress.