Washington: If you believe that moderate alcohol consumption is harmless, a recent research is here to prick that bubble. The study shows that moderate alcohol consumption, seven to 13 drinks per week, substantially raises one's risk of high blood pressure.
The findings contrast with some previous studies that associated moderate drinking with a lower risk of some forms of heart disease. Most previous studies, however, have not assessed high blood pressure among moderate drinkers.
Since hypertension is a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke, the new study calls into question the notion that moderate alcohol consumption benefits heart health.
Alcohol's impact on blood pressure could stem from a variety of factors, according to researchers. Because alcohol increases appetite and is, itself, very energy-dense, drinking often leads to greater caloric intake overall. Alcohol's activities in the brain and liver could also contribute to spikes in blood pressure.
Participants reported their drinking behaviour on several questionnaires administered by mail and in person. Their blood pressure was recorded by trained personnel during visits in participants' homes and at a mobile examination centre.
Findings of the study were discussed in a meeting held at American College of Cardiology 68th Annual Scientific Session. In their analysis, researchers adjusted for age, sex, race, income and cardiovascular risk to separate the effects from alcohol consumption from other factors with known links to hypertension.
"This study is not only large but diverse in terms of race and gender," Aladin said. "The results are very informative for future research and practice. If you are drinking a moderate or large amount of alcohol, ask your providers to check your blood pressure at each visit and help you cut down your drinking and eventually quit," said Amer Aladin, study's lead author.
