[High blood pressure and alcohol consumption].

The possible effects of individual alcoholic beverages on blood pressure continue to arouse interest. There is a positive relationship between alcohol intake and blood pressure. The nature of this relationship still remains unresolved. Authors led studies where different patterns of drinking were assessed. First, different mechanisms are involved for generating hypertension when alcohol drinking. Vasoconstriction effects and modification of smooth muscles are well established factors of alcohol-induced hypertension. Calcium movements are also involved. Men and women are affected by hypertensive effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol during meals is a probable protective factor of developing hypertension. Reducing alcohol consumption provokes a significant diminution of hypertension.