Heavy partying in 20 years increases your risk of heart problems later in life, research suggests

The “live fast, die young” lifestyle has tragically affected celebrities, including Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix and Marilyn Monroe.

They died at the age of 20 and 30 after drug and alcohol abuse.

Now, a major study of more than a million people has launched another warning light on the dangers of heavy parties.

It shows that young adults are up to nine times more likely to develop premature heart disease if they regularly take drugs, smoke and drink.

A major study of more than a million people has launched another warning fire on the dangers of heavy parties. Image: Stock

Experts looked at 1.1 million people in the United States, comparing alcohol, drugs and cigarettes to heart attack and stroke rates.

They found that the higher the number of substances used for recreational purposes, the greater the risk of premature heart disease.

The connection was even more pronounced among women. A total of 143,319 people had the disease – when a heart attack, angina or stroke occurs before the age of 55 in men or 65 in women.

For those who regularly used four or more substances, the risk was nine times higher. The study found that cocaine users were almost two and a half times more likely to have premature heart disease, while amphetamine users were almost three times more likely.

The “live fast, die young” lifestyle has tragically affected celebrities, including Amy Winehouse (pictured), Jimi Hendrix and Marilyn Monroe

The figure for cannabis and other drugs was more than two and a half times. Smokers were almost twice as likely to suffer from premature heart disease, while the figure for drinkers was 50%.

The lead author, Dr. Anthony Wayne Orr, of Louisiana State University in the United States, said: “We are young only once and we should do everything we can to keep this state as long as possible.

“Studies suggest that one in five young adults misuse more substances and that these users of polyvalent substances often start using them at a younger age and therefore have poorer health in the long run.

“These people need to be aware of the long-term consequences for their health beyond the risk of an overdose.”

Heart disease affects 7.6 million people in the UK and causes more than one in four deaths.

Singer Miss Winehouse died at the age of 27, poisoned with alcohol in 2011.

American guitar legend Hendrix, also 27, died after drugging in 1970, while American actress Miss Monroe, 36, was killed by a barbiturate overdose in 1962.

The research was published in the journal Heart.