Prevention of hypertension and lowering blood pressure with non-pharmacological treatment and lifestyle changes may reduce
cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with alcohol while they also play an important role in reducing the cost of
medical treatment. Reduction of alcohol consumption is one of the recommended lifestyle changes in the JNC VII report.
Excessive amounts of alcohol consumption leads to an increase in blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive
individuals. At the same time, alcohol can lead to resistance to antihypertensive drug treatment. Effects of alcohol on blood
pressure is depent on the amount of alcohol rather than the type of alcohol. As far as heart diseases are concerned, mild-tomoderate
alcohol consumption, despite its tendency to increase blood pressure, is associated with decreased risk of coronary
artery diseases and ischemic stroke by way of elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, reducing fibrinogen and
platelet aggregation, and producing positive effects on antioxidants systems. However, increased alcohol consumption is
accompanied by increased blood pressure, hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and
sudden cardiac death. Therefore, people with hypertension should avoid or reduce alcohol consumption in addition to drug
treatment. A positive relationship has been detected between decreasing alcohol consumption and systolic and diastolic blood
pressures. Reducing alcohol consumption provides a 2-4 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure levels. For this reason, 1-2
drinks per day for men and up to one drink for women and people with poor health seem to be optimal amounts. People who use
alcohol should keep in mind that moderation and unexcessive consumption are the key words in avoiding alcohol related medical
conditions.
Key words: Alcohol; Hypertension; Cardiovascular Disease.
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