RELATIONSHIP OF ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION AND SMOKING TO PLASMA-CORTISOL AND BLOOD-PRESSURE

The role of plasma cortisol in the relationship of alcohol consumption and smoking with BP was investigated in a study of 297 Japanese men, aged 50-54 years, who were not receiving antihypertensive agents. They were admitted to the Self-Defense Forces Fukuoka Hospital between Jan uary and June 1992 for a detailed pre-retirement health examination. A history of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking were determined from a self-administered questionnaire. The plasma level of cortisol a nd BP were determined in the morning of the first admission day. While the plasma level of cortisol was positively related to systolic and d iastolic BP, cortisol levels did not vary substantially with alcohol c onsumption. Both BP and plasma cortisol levels were lower among curren t smokers than nonsmokers. The lower BP observed among current smokers was ascribed in part (about 20-30%) to the plasma cortisol levels. Wh ile the cortisol levels may contribute the lower BP among current smok ers, the data did not support its role in mediating the alcohol-BP rel ationship.