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

A study has suggested that even a single alcoholic drink per day could elevate an individual's blood pressure and cholesterol. The research team was taken aback to discover that even moderate drinking could have an impact, despite the most significant increases being observed among heavy drinkers.

High blood pressure can put additional strain on the heart, blood vessels, and other organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes, leading to serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia. While medication is available, lifestyle changes like regular exercise, weight loss, and reducing caffeine, alcohol, and salt intake can also help manage blood pressure.

The study, published in Hypertension – an American Heart Association journal, analysed data from seven international studies involving over 19,548 participants from the US, Korea, and Japan, who were monitored for at least five years. The analysis was based on the grams of alcohol consumed rather than the number of drinks.

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Researchers have found a tangible link between the number of daily alcoholic drinks consumed and a rise in systolic blood pressure, which measures the heart's might in pumping blood throughout the body. Remarkably, this connection was evident even among individuals who indulged in just one drink per day, compared to those who abstained entirely.

Additionally, the study observed an uptick in diastolic blood pressure - which gauges the resistance to blood flow within vessels during the moments between heartbeats - in men, though not in women.

Lead author of the study, Professor Marco Vinceti from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and an adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Public Health, stated: "We found no beneficial effects in adults who drank a low level of alcohol compared to those who did not drink alcohol."

He further expressed his mild astonishment, adding, "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 explained that while alcohol isn't the only factor elevating blood pressure, the evidence clearly points to its significant role. Hence, he suggests, "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, commenting on a recent study, revealed: "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 study showed an increase in systolic blood pressure – the top number – by 1.25 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) for those consuming on average 12 grams of alcohol daily.

For individuals drinking 48 grams of alcohol each day, there was an observed average increase in blood pressure of 4.9 mm Hg. Moreover, men who consumed 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, remarked on the findings: "This large analysis shows that even a low alcohol intake is associated with an increase in blood pressure over time."

She pointed out, "However, this analysis can only show an association – it can’t prove cause and effect – so further research is needed." Giblin also stressed, "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."