Flushing Drinkers Have Higher Risk of Having a Heart Attack and Stroke

People whose face turns red when they drink should pay attention to their blood pressure. They can have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure when they drink alcohol.

The flushing of the face may happen when someone consumes alcohol, and this can be a sign that the body doesn’t process acetaldehyde, the poisonous substance in alcohol, very well. This substance is made when the alcohol in the body breaks down by an enzyme that is known as alcohol dehydrogenase. It will increase blood pressure and raise your risk of heart attack.

Scientists from South Korea confirmed this in a study. The study contained 1,763 individuals, 288 non-drinkers, 527 flush drinkers, and 948 non-flushing drinkers. “Even though until now it was considered only an unpleasant consequence of drinking alcohol, or an alcohol allergy, the flush on one’s face can as well be an indicator of high blood pressure in the blood vessels, which in the end can result in either a stroke or a heart attack.”

When the age, BMI, exercise status and smoking status was considered, the risk of hypertension was increased in flush drinkers when they consumed more than 4 drinks a week. But, non-flush drinkers risk was increased by consuming more than 8 drink a week. These results can serve as a marker for risk for hypertension that is associated with alcohol consumption, which allows doctors o edit advice about drinking.

So, if you’re worried about your blood pressure, maybe you should steer clear of the beer and stick to water. If you get flushed when you drink, you should be concerned about your health. If you can avoid a health problem, you should.
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131119193626.htm