Ultimately, the relationship between alcohol and blood pressure is a reminder that balance is crucial. Enjoying a drink now and then is unlikely to cause harm, but understanding the potential risks empowers you to make decisions that support your long-term health. When you drink alcohol, it’s quickly absorbed into your bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. From there, it travels to your liver for processing, but some circulates throughout your body, affecting your heart, arteries, and blood pressure.
- However, other research also suggests that alcohol increases blood pressure.
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- When you drink alcohol, it may lower your inhibitions so you not only eat more but also may make less healthy choices, Dr. Applebaum says.
- A study from 2023 found that tea consumption could help reduce a person’s risk of hypertension by 10%.
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For example, some people who intake a large amount of alcohol may not show signs of high blood pressure. On the other hand, even people who do not drink can develop high blood pressure for other reasons. For those with high blood Halfway house pressure, it’s advised to «avoid alcohol or drink alcohol only in moderation».
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Despite everything mentioned above, we know that moderation and balance is the key to most things in life. That’s bp alcohol why if you choose to drink, experts say moderation is important. Most adults should stick with no more than one to two drinks per day, per the AHA. Whether you choose wine, beer, or spirits, the quantity of alcohol consumed matters more than the type. However, other research also suggests that alcohol increases blood pressure.
What we don’t know: The significant limitations of alcohol-related health research
You can reduce hypertension by reducing your alcohol intake and following the treatment plan that your doctor recommends. They Mayo Clinic certified that «drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels» — no matter the choice. One side effect of drinking alcohol can be weight gain, which is an independent risk factor for high blood pressure, certified the Mayo Clinic.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption
When they become impaired by alcohol intake, the body might not respond as effectively to changes in blood pressure, leading to persistent high blood pressure. There are other ways alcohol may affect blood pressure, Dr. Mintz says. Drinking too much alcohol can result in high blood pressure and other dangerous heart problems over time. Experts explain why and share tips on how to manage your blood pressure. If you’re worried about your or a loved one’s drinking habits, screening questionnaires like CAGE or AUDIT can help clarify the severity of alcohol use patterns and link them to possible health consequences. Women should be especially cautious about alcohol, Goldberg says, as they may be more likely than men to develop health problems, particularly among young or middle-aged women who have eight or more drinks a week.
Practical Tips to Reduce Health Risks
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that if a person has hypertension, they may have a higher risk of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.
- However, he notes that the amount of alcohol consumed is more influential than the type of drink.
- Excessive salt intake is another major contributor to high blood pressure.
- Here’s what you need to know about the link between alcohol and blood pressure, including alcohol and the risk of high blood pressure, plus tips for how to manage your numbers.
- Some researchers are involved in organizations with ties to the alcohol industry.
All condition, treatment and wellness content is medically reviewed by at least one medical professional ensuring the most accurate information possible. There is no singular recommended level of alcohol for people who have high blood pressure aside from reducing your intake as much as possible. You and your doctor can make an individualized treatment plan to lower your blood pressure and address your alcohol use. According to a 2020 literature review, clinicians are not completely sure why alcohol raises blood pressure.
