Hypertension in Early Alcohol Withdrawal in Chronic Alcoholics

Abstract

Complete alcohol abstinence must be recommended to all hypertensive alcoholics, as AW-induced transient hypertension was found to be harmless in all our subjects, and abstinence leads to a complete recovery from hypertension in most cases.

Ethanol withdrawal increases oxidative stress and reduces nitric oxide bioavailability in the vasculature of rats

“…Our findings demonstrating that ethanol withdrawal causes a significant increase in blood pressure are in accordance with previous observations in humans (Ceccanti et al, 2006;Clark & Friedman, 1985;King, Bernardy, Parsons, & Lovallo, 1996). Some studies suggested that the elevation in blood pressure observed during ethanol withdrawal is transitory (Ceccanti et al, 2006;Clark & Friedman, 1985).…”

“…Some studies suggested that the elevation in blood pressure observed during ethanol withdrawal is transitory (Ceccanti et al, 2006;Clark & Friedman, 1985). However, there is evidence that ethanol withdrawal induces a persistent alteration of blood pressure regulation even when resting pressures are normal, further suggesting that ethanol withdrawal may predict future cardiovascular abnormalities (King et al, 1996).…”

The effects of ethanol upon hydric balance and arterial pressure in rats: Folic acid as a possible hypotensor

“…Our results suggest that folic acid supplementation is beneficial in preventing the increase in the arterial blood pressure associated with long-term chronic alcohol intake. Along these lines, Ceccanti et al (2005) obtained similar results, finding that hypertension was moderated in chronic alcohol patients. Furthermore, after 18 days of abstinence, arterial blood pressure values were reduced, something that could also be in agreement with our hypothesis which implies the accumulation of aldosterone as one of the main causes of the increase in arterial blood pressure to be found among chronic alcoholics since during this period serum levels of aldosterone (as well as other substances that cause hypertension) might diminish.…”

Differential physiological changes following internet exposure in higher and lower problematic internet users

“…The nature of the effect of cessation on the physiology of the individual is dependent upon the substance. For example, cessation of alcohol [21], cannabis [22], and opiate [23], use leads to an increase in such physiological measures in those who abuse these substances. Whereas, cessation of usage of MDMA [24,25], nicotine [26], and stimulants [25], depresses these physiological systems in individuals addicted to them.…”