The possible mechanisms of alcohol associated hypertension

The association between alcohol intake and blood pressure has been known for nearly 70 years. It was postulated that the alcohol blood pressure association was not causal but linked to common factors such as stress, obesity or salt intake. Recently large population studies have shown that the association is independent of these factors. Alcohol dependent persons have a high incidence of hypertension which is a common clinical problem. It is probably due to alcohol withdrawal and is mediated via increased cortisol and catecholamine production. Alcohol has also a direct effect causing arteriolar vasoconstriction. This direct effect may result from an alcohol associated alteration of intracellular Ca in arteriolar smooth muscle leading to supersensitivity to circulating pressor agents.