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)

The study highlighted marked differences between men and women regarding the impact of alcohol on hypertension risk. For men, the association between alcohol intake and hypertension was almost linear across all levels of consumption. However, in women, this association became evident only above 12 grams per day, with a sharp increase in risk at higher levels of consumption when compared to men.

The increased risk of hypertension above 12 to 24 grams of alcohol per day was consistent across Western and Asian populations. This study found considerable differences when comparing Whites and Blacks. Also, White women expressed a significantly higher risk at moderate to high levels of alcohol intake.

The findings support the likelihood of a causal relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of hypertension. This study suggests that even moderate alcohol intake (above 12 grams per day) can elevate hypertension risk and to reinforce public health advice to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. The study also emphasizes the role of sex and ethnicity as significant modifiers in this association by highlighting the need for tailored health recommendations. This meta-analysis offers robust evidence that alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of hypertension at levels above 12 grams per day. 

Source:

Cecchini, M., Filippini, T., Whelton, P. K., Iamandii, I., Di Federico, S., Boriani, G., & Vinceti, M. (2024). Alcohol Intake and Risk of Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Nonexperimental Cohort Studies. In Hypertension. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.124.22703