$Unique_ID{BRK00154}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Do Smoking and Drinking Affect Blood Pressure?}
$Subject{smoking drinking blood pressure Circulatory System Smoke Smokes
Smoker Smokers Drink Drinks Drinker Drinkers Pressures arteriosclerosis
coronary artery heart disease lifestyle lifestyles circulation}
$Volume{G-23}
$Log{
The Effects of Smoking*0007301.scf
The Heart's Blood Supply*0008901.scf
Atherosclerosis of Arteries*0009301.scf
Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis*0009302.scf
Anatomy of Blood Pressure*0009501.scf
Causative Factors of Hypertension*0009601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Do Smoking and Drinking Affect Blood Pressure?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Do smoking and drinking affect blood pressure?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  It is clear that heavy drinking (more than two to three standard
drinks per day) increases blood pressure.  Stopping drinking usually lowers
the blood pressure.  However, the effects of light drinking on blood pressure
are not clear.  Some studies show that light drinkers have lower blood
pressures than nondrinkers, but there is not solid evidence that this is true.
Some research shows that light drinking actually helps the person with
arteriosclerosis, getting more essential blood to the heart muscle.  The
confusion in this area can only be cleared up with more research that focuses
on this question.
     Smoking strongly contributes to coronary artery disease by limiting the
oxygen and blood that reaches heart muscle.  Oxygen-rich blood is vital to
maintaining a healthy heart, so anything that decreases its supply is a threat
to life.  It is not clear how smoking relates to blood pressure, but the
problems it creates in the heart muscle are drastic.  Anyone with high blood
pressure, even if it is controlled by medication, should limit alcohol to less
than one ounce per day and stop smoking.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.