$Unique_ID{BRK00154}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Do Smoking and Drinking Affect Blood Pressure?}
$Subject{smoking drinking blood pressure}
$Volume{G-23}
$Log{
Blood Pressure*0009501.scf
Smoking 1*0007301.scf
Smoking 2*0007302.scf
Arteries*0008901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Do Smoking and Drinking Affect Blood Pressure?


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QUESTION:  Do smoking and drinking affect blood pressure?

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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 non-drinkers, 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 to stop smoking.

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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.
