Any alcohol may raise blood pressure
Even slight increases in alcohol consumption are linked to higher blood pressure. Cutting back may reduce stroke and heart disease risks.
Why it matters
- Any alcohol consumption may increase blood pressure.
- Challenges previous beliefs about moderate drinking being safe.
By the numbers
- Study included nearly 360,000 annual check-ups from 2012 to 2024.
- Women who stopped drinking saw a decrease of 0.8 mmHG systolic and 1.1 mmHG diastolic.
- Men who stopped drinking saw a decrease of 1 mmHG systolic and 1.6 mmHG diastolic.
The big picture
- Even small amounts of alcohol can affect blood pressure.
- Quitting or reducing alcohol may lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease and stroke risks.
What they're saying
- Experts suggest that less alcohol is better for heart health.
- Some skeptics question the clinical significance of small blood pressure changes.
Caveats
- Changes in blood pressure were relatively small.
- Observational study; cannot establish causality.
What’s next
- Further research may explore long-term health impacts of alcohol cessation.