The effects of drinking alcohol on increasing blood pressure are well known. Researchers in Louisiana investigated the effects on blood pressure of reducing alcohol consumption.

They reviewed 15 controlled clinical trials involving more than 2,200 people in which alcohol reduction was the only variable. Their findings:

• Reducing alcohol was associated with a significant reduction in BP
  • Systolic BP down 3.31 mmHg
  • Diastolic BP down 2.04 mmHg
• The more alcohol eliminated, the greater the reduction in BP.
• Those who drank more heavily improved more when they decreased their alcohol intake.

The researchers recommend that alcohol reduction should be an important component of lifestyle modification for the prevention and treatment of hypertension among heavy drinkers.

Related information Lifestyle changes - Alcohol