EFFECT OF WEEKEND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN NON-ALCOHOLIC PATIENTS ENGAGING IN SOCIAL DRINKING

Abstract

Background: Social drinking is common in all strata of society. It is often encouraged and considered normal and a part of the winding down ritual on weekends. Alcohol is a contributor to Hypertension in a number of patients, the signicance of which is often underestimated. Although the effect of heavy alcohol consumption on Blood Pressure levels has been well-studied, the effect of social drinking on BP levels has not been studied enough, especially in the Indian context. A prospective observational study was conducted and a total of 10 Hypertensive patientsMethods: engaging in social drinking were recruited into the study. The study group was subjected to a standard questionnaire and the alcohol consumption pattern studied. Their BP recordings after a weekend of social drinking were recorded and compared to their BP recordings after a weekend in which they did not consume alcohol. The study showed that there was a signicant rise in BP after a weekend of social drinking inResults: comparison to BP readings taken after a weekend in which no alcohol was consumed. This study found that there was a signicant rise in BP levels even after consumption of low levels of alcohol as seen in social drinking.