Men with hypertension may want to avoid binge drinking, according to the findings of a new study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

The study followed more than 6,100 individuals, aged 55 years and older, for a period of more than 20 years.

It found that, compared to non-drinkers with normal blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular death in men with blood pressure of at least 168 /100 was three times higher overall. In addition, the results show that men who drank more than six drinks on one occasion were four times more likely to die, and men who drank more than 12 drinks on one occasion were 12 times more likely to die.

Researchers say that they could not confirm the same findings for women, because only a very small percentage of female study participants reported binge drinking.

Hypertension and binge drinking each contribute to cardiovascular disease but have been rarely studied together, researchers said.

The American Heart Association advises moderate alcohol consumption, if any. Men should limit their intake to two drinks per day and women should limit theirs to one drink per day.