Alcohol and cardiovascular disease--more than one paradox to consider. Alcohol and hypertension: does it matter? Yes.
Observational studies and clinical experiments solidly establish an empiric relationship between heavy drinking (>/= 3 standard drinks/day) and higher blood pressure. A biologic mechanism for this link remains unclear. It has been difficult to study the incidence of usual hypertension sequelae in alcohol-associated hypertension because of complex interactions of alcohol, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions. Even with these limitations, a causal association is the most likely explanation and control of alcohol intake is probably important in prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Klatsky
Arthur L
AL
Department of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA. hartmavn@pacbell.net
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015984:Causality; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors