Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension Study (PATHS): Effects of an Alcohol Treatment Program on Blood Pressure

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
ALCOHOL consumption has been shown in epidemiological studies1-5 to have one of the strongest associations with blood pressure (BP) among the known potentially modifiable risk factors for hypertension. This direct relationship is most consistent above 2 drinks per day (a standard drink is defined as approximately 14 g of ethanol and is contained in a 12-oz glass of beer, a 5-oz glass of table wine, or a 1.5-oz glass of distilled spirits) average intake and generally persists even when controlling for confounding variables such as age, body mass, and sodium and potassium excretion.1-3 Prospective observational studies6-8 have indicated that reduction in alcohol consumption is associated with reduction in BP, and inpatient studies9,10 of alcoholics have reported that detoxification often results in a decrease in BP.