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Alcohol consumption as a risk factor for high blood pressure from the Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary
1WHO Collaborating Center for Research on Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
Insights
High alcohol consumption is linked to increased blood pressure (BP). This international study found that heavy drinking, over 300g weekly, independently raises both systolic and diastolic BP levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a global health concern with potential cardiovascular implications.
- Previous research suggests a link between alcohol intake and blood pressure (BP), but findings vary.
- The International Cooperative Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Comparison (CARDIAC) Study aimed to investigate this relationship across diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between alcohol consumption and blood pressure (BP) levels.
- To determine if high alcohol intake is independently related to elevated systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP).
- To analyze this relationship within a large, multi-center international cohort.
Main Methods:
- Data collected from 29 centers in 12 countries as part of the CARDIAC Study.
- Random selection of 100 men and 100 women aged 50-54 from each population.
- BP measured using automated systems; alcohol consumption assessed via standardized interviews and questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Cross-center analysis showed no linear association between average weekly alcohol consumption and BP.
- Within-center analysis of high alcohol intake (over 300g/week) revealed positive associations with SBP in 17 centers and DBP in 16 centers.
- These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables, indicating independence.
Conclusions:
- High alcohol intake is positively and independently associated with elevated blood pressure in individuals.
- Findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive alcohol consumption on cardiovascular health.
- Public health strategies should address heavy alcohol use to mitigate hypertension risks.
Abstract:
The relationship between alcohol consumption and blood pressure (BP) was studied in 29 centers in 12 countries as part of the International Cooperative Cardiovascular Diseases and Alimentary Comparison (CARDIAC) Study. From each population, 100 men and 100 women aged 50-54 were randomly selected for BP measurement by automated system and for a standardized interview to complete the questionnaire relating to alcohol consumption. In cross-center simple linear regression analysis, mean alcohol consumption calculated from a previous week's drinking did not show a linear association to BP. In within-center multiple linear regression analysis, relationships between high alcohol intake (much greater than 300 g/week) and BP were assessed among 26 centers with high alcohol drinkers after being adjusted for other confounding variables. Positive associations of high alcohol intake with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were noted in 17 and 16 centers, respectively. Thus, high alcohol intake was positively and independently associated with BP in individual subjects.