A new study has found that consuming even one alcoholic drink per day can raise an individual's blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The research, published in the journal Hypertension, an American Heart Association publication, analyzed data from seven international studies involving over 19,548 participants from the United States, Korea, and Japan, who were monitored for at least five years.
Key Findings on Alcohol Consumption and Blood Pressure
The study examined the relationship between daily alcohol intake, measured in grams of alcohol, and changes in blood pressure over time. Researchers identified a clear link between the number of alcoholic drinks consumed daily and an increase in systolic blood pressure, which measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats. Notably, this association was evident even among those who consumed just one drink per day compared to those who abstained completely.
Lead author Professor Marco Vinceti from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and an adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Public Health, stated: "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."
Impact on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
The research revealed that consuming an average of 12 grams of alcohol daily (roughly one standard drink) was associated with a rise in systolic blood pressure of 1.25 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). For those consuming 48 grams of alcohol each day, an average increase in systolic blood pressure of 4.9 mm Hg was observed. Additionally, men who consumed 48 grams of alcohol daily experienced an average rise in diastolic blood pressure (the pressure between heartbeats) of 3.1 mm Hg, though this effect was not seen in women.
High blood pressure places extra strain on the heart, blood vessels, and vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes, potentially leading to serious health complications including heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia. According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), high blood pressure is typically considered starting from 140/90 mmHg for the average adult.
Expert Recommendations and Broader Health Context
Professor Vinceti noted that while alcohol is not the only factor in raising blood pressure, the evidence strongly highlights its considerable influence. He therefore recommends: "Limiting alcohol intake is advised, and avoiding it is even better." Paul Whelton from Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and president of the World Hypertension League, added: "We found participants with higher starting blood pressure readings had a stronger link between alcohol intake and blood pressure changes over time. 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."
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. However, this analysis can only show an association – it can't prove cause and effect – so further research is needed." She emphasized: "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. However, alcohol isn't the only factor that can affect blood pressure and increase your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle – including eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level, and controlling your weight – can all help to reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes."
