Moderate Alcohol Intake tied to high BP in Diabetics, finds study

In fact, because of the benefit in cardiovascular risk via decreased atherosclerosis, blood clotting, and platelet aggregation resulting in decreased rates of coronary artery disease, many have recommended light and moderate alcohol consumption as beneficial and cardioprotective in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, in 2 recent studies, in which patients with diabetes mellitus were not specifically selected, it has been noted that a linear relationship exists with the amount of alcohol consumed and the degree of hypertension.

"We studied the association of alcohol consumption with prevalent hypertension in participants in the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) trial," describes Jonathan J. Mayl, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston‐Salem, NC.

"Through decades of literature and epidemiological studies have suggested that light and moderate alcohol consumption may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, our work supports recent analyses suggesting that consumption of >7 drinks per week maybe associated with elevated blood pressure, stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and particularly those with elevated cardiovascular risk," the lead author further added.

A total of 10 200 eligible participants were analyzed for the study. Alcohol consumption was categorized as none, light (1–7 drinks/week), moderate (8–14 drinks/week), and heavy (≥15 drinks/week). Blood pressure was categorized using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines as normal, elevated blood pressure, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension.

The researchers chalked out the following outcomes-

1. Light alcohol consumption was not associated with elevated blood pressure or any stage hypertension.
2. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated with elevated blood pressure, stage 1, and stage 2 hypertension
3. Heavy alcohol consumption was associated with elevated blood pressure, stage 1, and stage 2 hypertension

"Our findings noted a dose‐risk relationship with the amount of alcohol consumed and the degree of hypertension," says Jonathan.

Therefore, the authors concluded that the consumption of moderate alcohol is associated with elevated blood pressure, stage 1, and stage 2 hypertension in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and particularly those with elevated cardiovascular risk.

The authors obtained the research materials from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Biological Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center.

For the full article click on the link: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.120.017334