Doctors strongly debate the pros and cons of drinking. On the one hand, alcohol abuse causes enormous suffering both for the affected individuals and their families. On the other hand, for years research has hinted that people drinking modest amounts of wine may benefit. Where does the balance lie?
Examining Benefits and Risks of Drinking Alcohol:
Now, scientists have announced both good and bad news when it comes to moderate alcohol consumption. Researchers presented a study at a spring meeting of the American College of Cardiology. They analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The analysis showed that people drinking alcoholic beverages are more likely to have high blood pressure. This risk has long been recognized for heavy drinkers. The current study is the first to establish that people consuming just one to two drinks a day may also be at greater risk for hypertension. Compared to teetotalers, moderate drinkers were about twice as likely to have stage 2 hypertension. That corresponds to blood pressure above 140/90.
Should You Quit?
The lead author of that study suggests that people with hypertension should cut down and eventually quit drinking. On the other hand, a separate two-decades long study of more than 100,000 health professionals provided a different answer. It revealed low to moderate alcohol consumption was linked to a lower risk of hip fractures (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Sept. 2019). Women who preferred red wine appeared to be at the lowest risk.
Neither study proves a cause and effect relationship. Without randomized controlled trials of drinking and its health effects, people need to make up their own minds.
They should assess whether they are able to avoid excessive drinking, which has undisputed hazards. If so, they may consider whether they are more concerned about elevated blood pressure or the potential for hip fracture and adjust their behavior accordingly.
