Differences in the Association between Alcohol Consumption and Blood Pressure by Age, Gender, and Smoking
Why the study?
Does alcohol consumption increase blood pressure in men and women aged 20-59 years, and is this modified by age, gender, and smoking?
Population
About 30,000 men and women age 20-59 years in the Netherlands.
Comparison
Alcohol consumption vs Nondrinkers or lower alcohol consumption
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Overview
Alcohol intake was associated with higher BP, amplified by age and smoking; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
Key Points
- To examine how age, gender, and smoking status modify the relationship between alcohol consumption and blood pressure.
- Cross-sectional study of approximately 30,000 men and women aged 20–59 years conducted in the Netherlands between 1987 and 1990.
- Evaluated associations using multivariable models adjusted for age, body mass index, and smoking status.
- In men, systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased by 0.9 mmHg and 0.6 mmHg per daily drink, respectively.
- In women consuming two or more glasses per day, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 2 mmHg and 1 mmHg higher, respectively, compared with nondrinkers.
- The positive association between alcohol and blood pressure was stronger in older men than younger men, and stronger in both male and female smokers than in nonsmokers.
Structured PICO
Does alcohol consumption increase blood pressure in men and women aged 20-59 years, and is this modified by age, gender, and smoking?
P
Population
About 30,000 men and women age 20-59 years in the Netherlands.
I
Intervention
Alcohol consumption (measured as daily drinks or glasses)
C
Comparator
Nondrinkers or lower alcohol consumption
O
Outcome
Systolic and diastolic blood pressuresurrogate
Alcohol consumption is associated with increased blood pressure, and this effect is significantly modified by age, gender, and smoking status, with stronger associations in older men and smokers.
Cite This Study
Leer et al. (1994) studied this question.