Alcohol testing improves blood pressure management in primary care when appropriate
A new doctoral thesis from Karolinska Institutet shows that the blood test PEth can play an important role in the management of hypertension. By providing a more objective picture of alcohol consumption, the test can facilitate dialogue between physician and patient, identify hazardous alcohol use, and provide valuable insights—provided that the method is used with transparency and a non-judgmental approach.
What is the main focus of your thesis?
”The thesis examines the practical implications of using the alcohol biomarker PEth in the management of hypertension in primary care. We investigated both patients’ and physicians’ experiences of the method. In addition, we mapped alcohol consumption using PEth and compared these findings with self-reported intake. We also described how alcohol use is documented in medical records at a primary health care centre where PEth is used as a routine test in the management of hypertension,” says Åsa Thurfjell, doctoral student at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society and who will defend her thesis on June 12, 2026.
Which are the most important results?
”The findings can be summarised as follows:
Inform – When the physician was transparent about the use of PEth testing, patients’ autonomy was respected, and trust was strengthened.
Test – PEth proved to be a useful tool for identifying high alcohol consumption, particularly in patients with inadequately controlled blood pressure despite treatment. Hazardous alcohol use could be identified using PEth and alcohol-related questions across all levels of blood pressure control. Both patients and physicians valued the objective information provided by PEth, which added important complementary information to self-reported measures. The test could yield uncomfortable yet important insights.
Talk about it – A non-judgmental approach was essential when discussion alcohol in relation to PEth results. Physicians felt that PEth facilitated a person-centred dialogue, and patients expected feedback on their test results. When such feedback was lacking, trust in the physician risked being negatively affected. For some patients, the PEth result was crucial, as it was the only factor that prompted a conversation about alcohol to take place.”
How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?
”As PEth proved to be more effective than the AUDIT questionnaire and other alcohol-related questions in identifying hazardous alcohol use, there is an opportunity for more patients to be offered support to reduce their alcohol consumption. This may in turn improve blood pressure and reduce other alcohol-related health problems. The findings may also provide guidance on how PEth can be used in primary care in a way that is acceptable to patients.”
What’s in the future for you? Will you continue to conduct research?
”I will continue as head of Kista Primary Health Care Centre, and I hope to be able to continue doing research in some form. I have a few potential collaborations in progress. It will be exciting to see which opportunities may arise!”