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Scientists studied how just one drink a day can affect blood pressure. Here's what they found

2023-08-01 12:39:45Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Scientists studied how just one drink a day can affect blood pressure.
Even a single alcoholic drink a day can raise blood pressure

Even a single glass of alcoholic beverage per day can raise systolic blood pressure in both men and women without pre-existing hypertension. A new study has reached this conclusion, according to which the negative impact of alcohol on systolic blood pressure continues to increase over the years.

"We found no less harmful effects in those who drank a low level of alcohol compared to those who drank larger amounts of alcohol," said study author Dr. Marco Vinceti, a professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in a statement.

Small amounts of alcohol also raise low blood pressure, or diastolic, but only in men, according to the study, which was published Monday in the journal Hypertension.

"Both systolic and diastolic readings contribute to cardiovascular risk, but of the two, systolic blood pressure is arguably the most important risk factor in adults," said study co-author Dr. Paul Whelton.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular health

The systolic reading, which represents the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart contracts, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over age 50, according to the American Heart Association. The low diastolic reading measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart muscle relaxes between beats.

A normal systolic reading is usually 120 mm Hg or below, but tends to increase as blood vessels weaken and narrow with age. A normal diastolic reading is below 80 mm Hg, but it begins to drop with age as the arteries lose their elasticity and stiffen, sometimes leading to an increased pulse.

"Alcohol is certainly not the only cause of increased blood pressure, however, our findings confirm that it contributes in a meaningful way," said Vinceti, also an assistant professor in the department of epidemiology at the Boston University School of Public Health. therefore it is advisable to limit the intake of alcohol, even avoiding it is even better".

The concept that excessive alcohol increases blood pressure has existed for a long time, said Dr. Andrew Freeman, – however, this review found that even relatively low levels of alcohol affect blood pressure. So this is another study that shows there may not be any safe amount of alcohol.

The risk increases as the alcohol level increases

The review analyzed data from seven studies conducted in Japan, South Korea and the United States between 1997 and 2021. It followed more than 19,000 adults between the ages of 20 and about 70 who had no previous diagnoses of alcoholism, heavy drinking, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or liver disease over an average five-year time period.

All participants were asked about their typical alcohol intake at the start of the studies, which was translated into grams of alcohol to avoid differences between countries in what constitutes a "standard drink". The World Health Organization, for example, sets the standard at 10 grams of alcohol per drink, while the US defines it as 14 grams.

Drinking an average of 12 grams of alcohol per day, or less than a standard American drink, produced a small increase in systolic pressure of 1.25 mm Hg over an average of five years.

"We were somewhat surprised to see that consuming a low level of alcohol was also associated with higher changes in blood pressure over time compared to no consumption – although much less than the rise in blood pressure." which is seen in those who drink a lot," Vinceti said.

In people who consumed an average of 48 grams of alcohol per day, or nearly 3.5 standard US drinks, systolic blood pressure increased nearly 5 mm Hg over the same time period compared with non-drinkers.

Confusing messages about alcohol

Studying alcohol use is difficult because it is associated with behaviors that can be both beneficial and non-beneficial, Freeman said.

“If you're drinking in a smoky bar at night with friends, (your exposure) to second-hand smoke and alcohol will certainly disrupt your sleep, and both are bad for your health. But you are also getting the positives of socialization," he said.

Research into the "blue zones," areas of the world where people typically live to be 100 years old, has shown that diets in these countries often include small amounts of alcohol that are routinely consumed at dinner.

"First of all, I don't recommend that people start drinking. If they do drink, they should try to minimize it and then do their best to maintain heart-healthy behaviors, such as exercise and reducing stress. "Exercise is an extremely effective way to lower blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, as it helps the heart relax and maintain better efficiency," he emphasized.


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