New Study Finds Even One Alcoholic Drink a Day Can Increase Blood Pressure
A recent study has shed new light on the impact of alcohol on blood pressure, revealing that even consuming just one alcoholic drink a day can increase systolic blood pressure, even in individuals without pre-existing hypertension. The negative effects of alcohol on blood pressure were found to worsen over time, regardless of the small amount consumed daily.
The study, which analyzed data from seven separate studies conducted between 1997 and 2021, followed over 19,000 adults. It discovered that even consuming low levels of alcohol was linked to higher blood pressure changes over time compared to those who abstained from alcohol completely, although the effect was less pronounced than in heavy drinkers.
Both systolic and diastolic readings of blood pressure contribute to cardiovascular risk, but the study found that systolic blood pressure is the most crucial risk factor for adults. Systolic blood pressure represents the force of blood against artery walls when the heart contracts, while the diastolic reading measures pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
The impact of alcohol on blood pressure was especially significant for individuals whose blood pressure readings were already increasing when the study began. Consuming higher amounts of alcohol led to a noteworthy increase in systolic blood pressure, pushing individuals from pre-hypertensive to hypertensive.
Prior research on the benefits of alcohol for heart health often compared the habits of light drinkers to heavy drinkers, instead of comparing them to non-drinkers. One such research trend focused on “blue zones,” regions where people live healthy and long lives. These studies suggested that consuming small amounts of alcohol regularly with dinner might be associated with longevity. However, it remains challenging to separate the effects of alcohol from other lifestyle factors in these studies.
In light of the findings, experts recommend minimizing alcohol consumption and emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy behaviors, such as exercise and stress reduction, to promote heart health. While the potential health benefits of moderate alcohol intake will continue to be explored, the evidence suggests that for many individuals, cutting back on alcohol is a wise choice for maintaining optimal blood pressure levels and overall cardiovascular wellness.
As further research is conducted, the findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between alcohol and blood pressure, ultimately providing individuals with valuable information for making informed decisions about their health.