Consumption of 1–2 alcoholic beverages daily has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older adults. Recent studies suggest that central blood pressure (BP) is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than peripheral BP. However, potential effects of habitual alcohol consumption on central BP particularly in young adults, the primary consumers of alcohol in North America, have yet to be investigated. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of alcohol consumption on central and peripheral BP, pulse pressure amplification, and arterial stiffness specifically in young adults.

We recruited 130 healthy, non-smoking, non-obese individuals. Using a standardized questionnaire, alcohol consumption (drinks/week) was used to classify participants into non-, (<2), light (2–6), moderate (women: 7–9, men: 7–14), and heavy drinkers (women: >9, men: >14). Central BP and arterial stiffness measurements were obtained using applanation tonometry. We found a U-shaped effect of alcohol consumption on both central and peripheral BP. Light drinkers had significantly lower central and peripheral systolic, and mean arterial BPs when compared to non- and moderate drinkers (P<0.05). No significant associations with arterial stiffness parameters were noted.

A U-shaped relationship was found between alcohol consumption and both central and peripheral BP in young individuals, which importantly, was shifted towards lower levels of alcohol consumption than currently suggested. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that examines the effect of alcohol consumption on central BP and arterial stiffness exclusively in young individuals. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the relationships observed herein.