Flushed face after drinking could signal health problem: study

Daejeon, South Korea – For some people, a flushed face after drinking may be an indicator of alcohol-related high blood pressure, warns a new study from the Chungnam National University School of Medicine.

The study involved 1,763 men – 288 non-drinkers, 527 drinkers who had the facial flushing reaction and 948 non-flushing drinkers. Alcohol-related high blood pressure was found to be more prevalent among drinkers with facial flushing, especially if they had more than four drinks a week, according to the study abstract.

Researchers concluded that flushing may signal alcohol-related high blood pressure, and suggested doctors evaluate patients for this reaction.

The study was published online Nov. 20 in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.