College partying = possible heart disease

While college is about the educational and social experience, is it becoming part of a normal "party" experience as well? A preliminary study indeed shows that drinking heavily in college may make heart disease more likely.

No real head-turner here I think. The study centered on measurements of f C-reactive protein (CRP) in the participants' blood samples. The higher that figure is, the more likelihood of heart disease later in life. Conclusion: drinkers have higher CRP levels than non-drinkers (as far as this study).

But, it has to be said that many factors -- including alcohol, medications, physical activity, and body fat -- can affect CRP levels. Still, cutting down (or jettisoning completely) the use of alcohol while in college would be a good thing. The problem: that's a completely unrealistic expectation for those living away from home for the first time.