Blood pressure and cholesterol lowered by 'cutting out one drink' a day say scientists

Blood pressure and cholesterol lowered by 'cutting out one drink' a day say scientists The research team was surprised to find that even small amounts could have a notable impact New research suggests that even just one alcoholic drink a day could raise an individual's blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The research team was surprised to find that even moderate drinking could have a notable impact, despite the most significant increases being recorded amongst heavy drinkers. High blood pressure places extra strain on the heart, blood vessels, and vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes, potentially triggering serious health complications including heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia. While medication is available, lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, weight loss, and cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and salt can also help keep blood pressure in check. The study, published in Hypertension – an American Heart Association journal, examined data from seven international studies involving more than 19,548 participants from the US, Korea, and Japan, who were monitored for a minimum of five years. The findings were based on the grams of alcohol consumed rather than the number of drinks. Researchers identified a clear link between the number of alcoholic drinks consumed daily and a rise in systolic blood pressure, which measures the force of the heart pumping blood around the body. Strikingly, this connection was apparent even amongst those who had just one drink per day, compared with those who abstained completely. The study also noted a rise in diastolic blood pressure - which measures the resistance to blood flow within vessels during the moments between heartbeats - in men, though not in women. Lead author Professor Marco Vinceti from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, and an adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Public Health, said: "We found no beneficial effects in adults who drank a low level of alcohol compared to those who did not drink alcohol." He added: "We were somewhat surprised to see that consuming an already-low level of alcohol was also linked to higher blood pressure changes over time compared to no consumption – although far less than the blood pressure increase seen in heavy drinkers." Professor Vinceti noted that while alcohol isn't the sole factor in raising blood pressure, the evidence firmly highlights its considerable influence. He therefore recommends: "Limiting alcohol intake is advised, and avoiding it is even better." Paul Whelton from Tulane University's school of public health and tropical medicine, and president of the World Hypertension League, explaining the research, said: "We found participants with higher starting blood pressure readings, had a stronger link between alcohol intake and blood pressure changes over time." He added, "This suggests that people with a trend towards increased – although still not 'high' – blood pressure may benefit the most from low to no alcohol consumption." According to nhs.uk, for the average adult, high blood pressure is typically considered starting from 140/90mmHg. The research revealed a rise in systolic blood pressure – the top number – of 1.25 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) amongst those consuming an average of 12 grams of alcohol daily. For those drinking 48 grams of alcohol each day, an average increase in blood pressure of 4.9 mm Hg was observed. Furthermore, men consuming 48 grams of alcohol daily experienced an average rise in their diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure of 3.1 mm Hg. Regina Giblin, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, commented on the results: "This large analysis shows that even a low alcohol intake is associated with an increase in blood pressure over time." She noted, "However, this analysis can only show an association – it can't prove cause and effect – so further research is needed." Giblin also emphasised, "If you do drink alcohol, it's important to always keep within the guidelines of up to 14 units of alcohol each week. "Regularly drinking more than this can be harmful, leading to health problems including high blood pressure. You should also try to have several alcohol-free days each week. "However, alcohol isn't the only factor that can affect blood pressure and increase your risk of heart and circulatory diseases. "Adopting a healthy lifestyle – including eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level, and controlling your weight – can all help to reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes."