EFFECT OF SOCIAL DRINKING ON BLOOD PRESSURE

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Hypertension is common in the adult population of the United States. It has been demonstrated to be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Alcohol consumption is also prevalent and may play an important causative or contributory role in up to one-third of all hypertensives. The association between hypertension and alcohol consumption awaits causative explanation and is the purpose of this study. Blood pressure will be measured using a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring system for several days in normotensive and hypertensive social drinkers during periods of usual alcohol consumption and abstinence. Subjects will be on a low monoamine diet for the duration of the study. Blood and urine samples will be obtained during baseline or usual alcohol consumption, abstinence, and return to baseline levels of alcohol intake for measurement of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and electrolytes involved in blood pressure regulation. Changes in these regulatory systems will be related to blood pressure in the three phases of the study.