AHA Study: Alcohol Consumption Linked to Increase Risk of Hypertension

A recent comprehensive study published in the Hypertension journal established a clear link between alcohol consumption and an elevated risk of hypertension. The findings offer significant insights into public health guidelines and recommendations concerning alcohol consumption.
This research evaluated the dose-response relationship between usual alcohol intake and the incidence of hypertension. The team conducted a systematic literature review, identifying 23 eligible studies by February 20, 2024. They employed a nonlinear meta-analytic model using restricted cubic splines to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for varying levels of alcohol consumption.
The analysis revealed a positive and nearly linear relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of developing hypertension. When compared to the reference value of 12 grams of alcohol per day (roughly one drink), the risk ratios for hypertension increased significantly with higher levels of alcohol consumption:
- 0 grams/day: Risk ratio of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.94)
- 24 grams/day: Risk ratio of 1.11 (95% CI: 1.07–1.15)
- 36 grams/day: Risk ratio of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.14–1.30)
- 48 grams/day: Risk ratio of 1.33 (95% CI: 1.18–1.49)
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