Binge drinking in early adulthood is associated with an increased likelihood of high blood pressure in males, while low to moderate alcohol use in early adulthood is associated with a decreased likelihood of hypertension in females. Among the major findings:
• In young adult men, frequent binge drinking over the past year was associated with a 1.7-times increased likelihood of developing hypertension.
• In young adolescent males, there was no significant association between binge drinking or quantity of alcohol use and hypertension after they entered adulthood.
• In young women, binge drinking was not associated with hypertension.
• Light and moderate alcohol use in young adult women was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of hypertension.

“Further study of alcohol use in young adulthood may provide insights into the early development of hypertension,” said Dr. Twichell.

Source Newsroom: American Society of Nephrology (ASN)
Citations
ASN Kidney Week
Study: “Adolescent Alcohol Use and the Development of Hypertension in Early Adulthood”