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

Background, It remains controversial whether the relation between alco hol intake and blood pressure is linear or non-linear. Methods. The re lation between alcohol intake and blood pressure was investigated in 2 341 male self-defence officials who received a preretirement health ex amination at the Self-Defense Forces Fukuoka Hospital between October 1986 and December 1990. Average alcohol intake in the past year was as certained by a self-administered questionnaire. The study excluded pas t drinkers, and allowed for smoking, body mass index and glucose toler ance. Results. Blood pressure was higher at higher levels of alcohol i ntake 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 d rinkers (< 20 ml per day) compared to non-drinkers; adjusted mean diff erences were 3.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-5.2) in systo lic pressure and 2.1 mmHg (95% CI. 0.7-3.5) in diastolic pressure. Con clusions. Our findings do not support the existence of a threshold in the relation between alcohol and blood pressure.