EFFECT OF ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION VERSUS ABSTINENCE ON 24-H BLOOD-PRESSURE PROFILE IN NORMOTENSIVE ALCOHOLIC PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to evaluate 24-h ambulatory blood pressure m onitoring in 15 male alcoholic normotensive subjects during alcohol co nsumption and following an abstinence phase and the effects of alcohol consumption compared with a period of I week of abstinence. The avera ge 24-h BP was not different, but the diurnal pattern showed a fall in systolic BP early (06:00 to noon; P < .005) and late (18:00 to 22:00; P < .002) in the day during abstinence. BP variability was increased during the alcohol phase (P < .05). This study showed that 1 week of a bstinence does not influence 24-h BP levels in normotensive subjects, but alters the diurnal pattern, characterized by a fall in systolic BP and increased BP variability.