SEX AND AGE INTERACTIONS IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ALCOHOL AND BLOOD PRESSURE

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Abstract
The cross-sectional association between alcohol intake and blood pressure was examined in a probability sample of Michigan adults surveyed in 1983. Despite adjustments for race, sex, age, Quetelet index, and current treatment with antihypertensive medications, heavier alcohol intakes (more than one drink daily) were associated with increased systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and prevalence of elevated blood pressure. These associations were somewhat exaggerated in women and in younger persons. Statistically significant differences in blood pressure were demonstrated only among consumers of more than one drink daily. Attributable risk calculations indicated that no more than 8.4 and 8.5% of instances of elevated blood pressure (systolic pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic pressure ≥90 mmHg) in men and women, respectively, could be attributed to alcohol intakes exceeding one drink daily.