New Analysis Finds Every Alcoholic Beverage Consumed Increases Blood Pressure Over Time
A new study, published in the journal Hypertension, has revealed that consuming even one alcoholic beverage per day may lead to higher blood pressure. The analysis, based on data from seven studies involving over 19,000 adults from the United States, Korea, and Japan, found a clear link between the number of alcoholic beverages consumed daily and increases in systolic blood pressure.
Even individuals who drank just one alcoholic beverage per day showed higher blood pressure compared to non-drinkers, supporting the recommendation of the American Heart Association to limit alcohol intake. The analysis also suggested that blood pressure readings may rise more steeply over the years as the number of daily alcoholic drinks increases, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, even in adults without hypertension.
The study findings debunked the notion that low-level alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects. In fact, even an already-low level of alcohol consumption was associated with higher blood pressure changes over time compared to no consumption. To avoid bias due to different amounts of alcohol in different countries and types of beverages, the analysis was based on grams of alcohol consumed rather than the number of drinks.
Given the study’s findings, it is advised to limit alcohol intake for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health, and avoiding alcohol altogether is even better. The analysis also revealed that individuals with higher starting blood pressure readings had a stronger link between alcohol intake and blood pressure changes over time. This indicates that those with a trend towards increased blood pressure may benefit the most from low to no alcohol consumption.
The American Heart Association recommends that individuals who do not drink should not start, and those who do drink should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor. The study analyzed data from seven large observational studies involving adults with no previous diagnosis of high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, liver disease, alcoholism, or binge drinking.
Effective blood pressure management is crucial in reducing, preventing, or delaying the development of high blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure, which measures the force against artery walls when the heart contracts, was found to rise steadily with age and is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk.
With this new insight, individuals are encouraged to reevaluate their alcohol consumption and prioritize their cardiovascular health to stay protected from potential risks.
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