ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION AND BLOOD-PRESSURE - AN EXTENDED STUDY OF SELF-DEFENSE OFFICIALS IN JAPAN

Background, It remains controversial whether the relation between alcohol intake and blood pressure is linear or non-linear. Methods. The relation between alcohol intake and blood pressure was investigated in 2341 male self-defence officials who received a preretirement health examination at the Self-Defense Forces Fukuoka Hospital between October 1986 and December 1990. Average alcohol intake in the past year was ascertained by a self-administered questionnaire. The study excluded past drinkers, and allowed for smoking, body mass index and glucose tolerance. Results. Blood pressure was higher at higher levels of alcohol intake across the range from 0 to 40-59 ml of alcohol per day, but was not progressively higher in men consuming greater than or equal to 60 ml per day. Blood pressure was significantly higher even among light drinkers (< 20 ml per day) compared to non-drinkers; adjusted mean differences were 3.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-5.2) in systolic pressure and 2.1 mmHg (95% CI. 0.7-3.5) in diastolic pressure. Conclusions. Our findings do not support the existence of a threshold in the relation between alcohol and blood pressure.