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Alcohol intake and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in men with hypertension

Ichiro Wakabayashi1

  • 1Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan. wakabaya@hyo-med.ac.jp

American Journal of Hypertension
|March 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Alcohol consumption is linked to a lower triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio in hypertensive men, suggesting an inverted J-shaped relationship. Moderate to heavy drinking may weaken the association between high TG/HDL-C ratio and hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Metabolic Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio is a recognized cardiovascular disease risk marker.
  • The impact of alcohol consumption on the TG/HDL-C ratio in hypertensive individuals remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between alcohol intake and the TG/HDL-C ratio in hypertensive and normotensive men.
  • To determine if alcohol consumption modifies the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving normotensive and hypertensive men aged 35-60 years.
  • Participants were categorized by daily ethanol intake: non-, light (<22g/day), heavy (≥22 to <44g/day), and very heavy (≥44g/day) drinkers.
  • Triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and odds ratios (ORs) for high TG/HDL-C ratio and hypertension were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Hypertensive men exhibited a higher TG/HDL-C ratio compared to normotensive men.
  • All alcohol consumption levels were associated with a lower TG/HDL-C ratio in both groups, with the lowest ratio observed in light drinkers.
  • Alcohol consumption significantly reduced the odds of a high TG/HDL-C ratio and hypertension in hypertensive individuals.

Conclusions:

  • An inverted J-shaped relationship exists between alcohol consumption and the TG/HDL-C ratio in hypertensive individuals.
  • Alcohol intake appears to attenuate the positive association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and hypertension.
  • Findings suggest a complex interplay between alcohol, lipid profiles, and hypertension risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
alcoholblood pressurecardiovascular diseasedyslipidemiahypertensiontriglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio

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