Study authors mentioned that acute ethanol administration caused transitory increase in BP at 20 minutes. Rossinen 1997 measured blood pressure but selectively reported only SBP instead of reporting both SBP and DBP. Karatzi 2013Maufrais 2017 and Van De Borne 1997 measured blood pressure before and after treatment but did not report these measurements. We classified seven studies as having high risk of bias (Agewall 2000; Bau 2011; Dumont 2010; Fazio 2004; Karatzi 2013; Maufrais 2017; Van De Borne 1997). Agewall 2000 measured blood pressure upon arrival of participants and did not measure blood pressure after the intervention. The aim of Bau 2011 was to determine the effects of alcohol on heart rate variability, so SBP was not measured in this study.
Tome‐Carneiro 2013 published data only
The relationship between alcohol and blood pressure is a topic that has long intrigued both medical professionals and the general public. For many, a glass of wine or a pint of beer is a cherished ritual, a way to unwind after a long day or celebrate a special occasion. But beneath the surface of this seemingly harmless indulgence lies a complex interplay between alcohol and our cardiovascular system.
- The authors of a 2020 review suggest that there isn’t enough evidence to say that small amounts of alcohol have a cardioprotective effect.
- Smoking introduces a layer of complexity to the relationship between alcohol and hypertension.
- We included 32 randomised controlled trials involving 767 participants published up to March 2019.
Summary of findings 3. Effect of low‐dose alcohol compared to placebo.
Consequently, synergistic health effects of alcohol consumption and smoking on the onset of hypertension were documented. Furthermore, a correct understanding of these relationships can especially help with health guidance regarding alcohol and smoking in workers based on accurate evidence. Regarding these results and with reference to those of previous studies, several points were considered noteworthy and listed below. Several factors can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, including genetics, lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, and medical conditions such as kidney disease and sleep apnea.
How does alcohol affect blood pressure?
It is a common substance of abuse and its use can lead to more than 200 disorders including hypertension. This review aimed to quantify the acute effects of different doses of alcohol over time on blood pressure and heart rate in an adult population. Researchers have pointed out that the potential benefits of wine consumption on heart health may result from other lifestyle factors that are common among people who drink wine, such as their dietary habits or physical activity levels. While additional studies are needed, researchers do not recommend drinking wine or other forms of alcohol to promote heart health.
- A positive linear relationship was observed between the amount of alcohol intake and stroke, coronary heart disease, except myocardial infarction, fatal hypertensive disease, heart failure, and fatal aortic aneurysm.
- Of the participants taking antihypertensive medications at each exam, over 75% were adherent (see Table 1).
- Another relevant issue is related to possible differences of alcohol effects on blood pressure between genders.
- It is important to point out that, in the Yang study, this relationship was also present in a subset of patients with hypertension and was independent of blood pressure levels.
Frequently Asked Questions: Alcohol and Blood Pressure
Vijaya Musini (VM) contributed to data analysis, interpretation of the final result, and editing of the final draft of the review. James M Wright (JMW) formulated the alcohol and hypertension idea, developed the basis of the protocol, and contributed to data analysis, interpretation of the final result, and editing of the final draft of the review. We graded the overall certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach via GRADEpro GDT software (GRADEpro 2014); we formulated summary of findings (SoF) tables.
Does Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure?
The aim of Bau 2011 was to determine the effects of alcohol on heart rate variability, so study authors did not measure and report DBP. For Buckman 2015, blood pressure was recorded beat to beat continuously, but DBP was not reported. Dumont 2010 measured blood pressure during the RCT, but study authors did not provide the before and after measurement of DBP. The aim of Fazio 2004 was to determine effects of alcohol on blood flow volume and velocity.
Quality of the evidence
All individuals in a position to influence the content of this activity were asked to complete a statement regarding all relevant personal financial relationships between themselves or their spouse/partner and any commercial interest. In the past year, Larry Culpepper, MD, MPH, Editor in Chief, has been a consultant for Alkermes, Harmony Biosciences, Merck, Shire, Supernus, and Sunovion. No member of the CME Institute staff reported any relevant personal financial relationships.
Okuno et al64 have reported prolonged elevation of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in alcoholics suggests that angiotensin II levels are elevated due to activation of ACE activity. Alcohol ingestion in dogs caused sustained RAS activation with progressive increases in plasma levels of Angiotensin II, renin activity, left ventricular ACE enzyme activity, and left ventricular myocyte Ang II AT1 receptor expression65. Ceccanti et al. investigated blood pressure changes in chronic alcohol dependents on early alcohol withdrawal that were followed for 18 days 97. At baseline, hypertension was found in 55% of patients and in 21% at Substance abuse the end of follow-up, suggesting the transient nature of blood pressure increase was caused by alcohol withdrawal. Persistence of hypertension could be explained either by longer-lasting alcohol effects or alcohol-independent hypertension.
Eliminating alcohol from your diet can produce dramatic improvements in your blood pressure control within just a few weeks. These hormones cause your heart to pump harder and your blood vessels to tighten, creating the perfect storm for elevated blood pressure. Regular alcohol consumption triggers your sympathetic nervous system, which controls your fight-or-flight response.