Association between Alcohol Consumption and Hypertension

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of hypertension, but the effect of light to moderate alcohol consumption on the risk of hypertension remains controversial. In this cross-sectional study we aimed to identify the association between alcohol consumption and hypertension, and verify whether this association is influenced by age. METHODS: Study participants were 498 men and 610 women, aged 23 to 88 years, who underwent periodic health examinations at one institute in Incheon, Korea. RESULTS: Compared with nondrinkers, multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, CI) for hypertension according to the number of standard drinks consumed weekly was as follows: 1 to 3 drinks, OR = 1.13 (95% CI, 0.56-2.29); 4 to 10 drinks, OR = 0.51 (95% CI, 0.27-0.97); 11 to 18 drinks, OR = 1.11 (95% CI, 0.55-2.20); > or = 19 drinks per week, OR = 1.97 (95% CI, 1.18-3.29). A positive association between the prevalence of hypertension and alcohol consumption of > or = 19 drinks per week was found for patients aged > or = 60 years (OR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.21-5.05), but not in patients aged or = 60 years (OR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.31-1.58). CONCLUSIONS: Light to moderate alcohol consumption can decrease the risk of hypertension, whereas heavy alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The association between alcohol consumption and hypertension may be changed by age.