The population attributable risk of hypertension from heavy alcohol consumption

The association between alcohol consumption and hypertension was studied in 11,899 men aged 40-55 years. The prevalence of hypertension among heavy drinkers was significantly higher than among those who did not drink heavily. Heavy drinking was defined as consumption of five or more drinks daily or four or more drinks daily. A total of 136 persons fulfilled the five drinks or more per day definition and 230, the four drinks daily definition. The population-attributable risk of hypertension contributed by heavy drinking, depending on the diagnostic criteria used to define each endpoint, varied from 3 to 12 percent. There is reason to suspect that the contribution of alcohol to hypertension in the general population may be somewhat higher at the present time than in the late 1950s when the study was conducted. Moderation of alcohol consumption, in addition to weight reduction and salt restriction, is another important nonpharmacological means to control hypertension.