Alcohol, high blood pressure, and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level.
The influence of the level of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, a biological marker of alcohol consumption, on elevations of blood pressure and on the development of hypertension related to increases in alcohol consumption was determined in a cross-sectional study of 1,492 middle-aged male workers and in a subsequent 5-year follow-up study of 1,393 workers. Blood pressure levels, as well as the prevalence and incidence of hypertension, were higher in the subjects with serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels above 50 units/l than in those with normal levels. These differences were more marked in drinkers who consumed 30 ml or more of alcohol per day. Thus, elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity may identify drinkers at higher risk for the development of alcohol-related hypertension.
Department of Hygiene, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.
Y
Y
Yamada
M
M
Ishizaki
T
T
Kido
R
R
Honda
I
I
Tsuritani
E
E
Ikai
H
H
Yamaya
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism*
D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase