In a recent study by Kaiser Permanente, a simple yet effective method has been found that could help people with high blood pressure live healthier lives.
This method, known as a brief intervention (BI), is a quick way to help people rethink their alcohol consumption to reduce it to healthier levels.
Interestingly, it’s not always about stopping drinking entirely; sometimes, it’s just about drinking less.
Researchers focused on adults who showed signs of drinking too much alcohol. They specifically looked at over 72,000 adults with high blood pressure and nearly 20,000 adults with type 2 diabetes.
The study was conducted within a healthcare system that routinely checks patients for unhealthy drinking habits and offers help through brief interventions and, if needed, referrals for further treatment.
The findings were quite promising for those with high blood pressure. People who received the brief intervention drank slightly less alcohol than before – about 0.06 fewer drinks on the days they drank and 0.30 fewer drinks over an entire week.
While these numbers might seem small, they made a significant difference. After 18 months, those who had the intervention were more likely to have a noticeable drop in their diastolic blood pressure, which is one of the two numbers used to measure blood pressure.
However, for those with type 2 diabetes, the intervention didn’t seem to make a big difference in their drinking habits or health outcomes.
This suggests that while the brief intervention can be beneficial, its effectiveness might vary depending on the person’s health conditions.
The study highlights how a brief chat about alcohol use in a regular doctor’s visit can be an important step in preventing chronic diseases.
It’s especially significant for managing high blood pressure, a condition that affects millions worldwide and is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Understanding Alcohol and High Blood Pressure
The link between alcohol and high blood pressure is complicated. Drinking too much can lead to high blood pressure by causing the blood vessels to narrow.
It can also lead to weight gain, another risk factor for high blood pressure. Plus, alcohol can make blood pressure medications less effective.
Yet, not all alcohol consumption is bad. Moderate drinking, defined as one drink per day for women and two for men, might actually benefit the heart by increasing good cholesterol levels.
However, it’s crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider to understand the balance between risks and benefits, particularly for those with high blood pressure or other health risks.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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