Even one alcoholic drink a day may be enough to raise a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to new research. The findings, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, showed that even moderate drinking had a noticeable impact, although the largest increases were seen among heavy drinkers.
Study Details and Findings
The study analysed data from seven international studies involving more than 19,548 participants from the US, Korea, and Japan, who were monitored for at least five years. The findings were based on the grams of alcohol consumed rather than the number of drinks.
Researchers found a clear link between the number of alcoholic drinks consumed daily and a rise in systolic blood pressure, which measures the force of the heart pumping blood around the body. This connection was apparent even among those who had just one drink per day, compared with those who abstained from alcohol altogether.
The study also recorded a rise in diastolic blood pressure, which measures the resistance to blood flow within vessels during the periods between heartbeats, in men, though not in women.
Expert Commentary
Lead researcher Professor Marco Vinceti from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and an adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Public Health, said: "We found no beneficial effects in adults who drank a low level of alcohol compared to those who did not drink alcohol."
He added, "We were somewhat surprised to see that consuming an already-low level of alcohol was also linked to higher blood pressure changes over time compared to no consumption – although far less than the blood pressure increase seen in heavy drinkers."
Professor Vinceti recommended: "Limiting alcohol intake is advised, and avoiding it is even better."
Blood Pressure Increases
The study revealed a rise in systolic blood pressure of 1.25 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) for those consuming an average of 12 grams of alcohol daily. For those drinking 48 grams of alcohol each day, an average increase in blood pressure of 4.9 mm Hg was observed. Furthermore, men consuming 48 grams of alcohol daily experienced an average rise in their diastolic blood pressure of 3.1 mm Hg.
Paul Whelton from Tulane University's school of public health and tropical medicine, and president of the World Hypertension League, said: "We found participants with higher starting blood pressure readings, had a stronger link between alcohol intake and blood pressure changes over time."
He added, "This suggests that people with a trend towards increased – although still not 'high' – blood pressure may benefit the most from low to no alcohol consumption."
Health Implications
High blood pressure places extra strain on the heart, blood vessels, and vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes, potentially triggering serious health complications including heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia. According to nhs.uk, for the average adult, high blood pressure is typically considered starting from 140/90mmHg.
Regina Giblin, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, commented: "This large analysis shows that even a low alcohol intake is associated with an increase in blood pressure over time."
She noted, "However, this analysis can only show an association – it can't prove cause and effect – so further research is needed." Giblin also emphasised, "If you do drink alcohol, it's important to always keep within the guidelines of up to 14 units of alcohol each week. Regularly drinking more than this can be harmful, leading to health problems including high blood pressure. You should also try to have several alcohol-free days each week."
Adopting a healthy lifestyle – including eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, keeping cholesterol at a healthy level, and controlling weight – can all help to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
