The Relationship Between Alcohol and Blood Pressure

Researchers have found a direct correlation between alcohol consumption and an increase in blood pressure. An analysis of seven studies that included 19,000 adults found that drinking even one alcoholic beverage each day could raise your blood pressure more than the average non-drinker.

Learn more about the correlation between alcohol and blood pressure. This can help you better understand how your lifestyle factors influence your cardiovascular health.

Understanding Blood Pressure Basics

The Cleveland Clinic defines blood pressure as “the amount of force your blood uses to get through your arteries.” Your blood pressure is affected by many health factors including your age, the medications you take, and how often you exercise. For instance, going for a quick run can temporarily change your blood pressure because of the exertion on your body.

High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—means your heart is using an excessive amount of force to push blood throughout your body. It can damage your heart, kidneys, and arteries without you realizing it. High blood pressure is also a risk factor for other conditions and alerts doctors to your potential for heart disease and stroke.

When you check your blood pressure, it is usually reported as two numbers: systolic blood pressure is first, and diastolic blood pressure is second. Systolic refers to pressure in the arteries while the heart is beating. Diastolic is pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. The American Heart Association has charts that can tell you if your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings are healthy.

How Does Alcohol Affect Blood Pressure?

Alcohol has long-term and short-term effects on your blood pressure levels. In medical terms, your body experiences both acute and chronic side effects from alcohol consumption.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on Blood Pressure

Alcohol has an immediate effect on your body. It can raise your blood pressure and keep it elevated for more than 13 hours after consumption. Alcohol can also have other immediate negative effects on your bodily systems, including limiting your brain’s communication pathways and causing dehydration. Heavy drinking also takes a toll on your liver and pancreas, which are essential for managing your body's various systems.

Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Blood Pressure

Just because the effects of your alcohol consumption have worn off doesn't mean your body isn't still recovering from the experience. Alcohol can lead to long-term wear and tear on your body, especially your heart. Several studies have connected alcohol consumption with hypertension and can increase your risk of cancer, including leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells.

The Role of Binge Drinking in Hypertension

While consuming even one alcoholic beverage can impact your blood pressure, dangerous drinking practices can cause even more harm. The Centers for Disease Control defines binge drinking as consuming five or more drinks for men or four or more drinks for women in one sitting. An estimated one in six adults binge drink, with men making up the majority of binge drinkers.

Multiple studies have found a connection between binge drinking and hypertension. One report found that people with a mean age of 38 who reported binge drinking at least once a week had a significant risk of pre-hypertension. Even if you do not have high blood pressure currently, excessive drinking can increase your chances of developing this condition as you get older.

Alcohol-Induced Hypertension: How Much Is Too Much?

You don't necessarily have to eliminate alcohol from your life to fight hypertension. Instead, you can reduce your consumption and embrace healthy lifestyle choices. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends two drinks or less each day for men and one drink or less a day for women. Women have more [body fat and less water in their bodies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761697/#:~:text=Women%20have%20proportionally%20more%20body,body%20weight%20(Frezza%20et%20al.) than men, which is why their recommendation is less.

The NIAAA emphasizes that less alcohol consumption is better, especially if you are worried about your blood pressure. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor might ask you to significantly reduce your alcohol intake.

Understanding the Risks of Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Along with chronic and acute impacts on your blood pressure, excessive drinking can affect several parts of your body. Here are a few ways you are harmed by alcohol consumption:

• You’re more likely to hurt yourself.
• Due to cognitive impairment associated with alcohol use, your risk of sexual assault and unwanted pregnancy is higher, which also increases your risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Excessive drinking can potentially lead to alcohol poisoning and even death.
• In the long run, alcohol consumption can lead to an increased risk of stroke, along with heart and liver disease.
• You are more likely to develop memory problems and mental health complications.
• Alcohol consumption has been tied to an increased risk of various cancers.
• Alcohol can weaken your immune system, increasing your chances of getting sick.

Adjusting your lifestyle to consume alcohol in moderation can significantly reduce the risks on this list and reverse some of the potential long-term health complications.

Alcohol is also addicting. If you develop alcohol dependence, not only will you continue to harm your body, but you could negatively impact your relationships as well. Your friends and family may start to avoid you and your job performance could be affected.

If you are worried about your alcohol consumption, or the potential dependence of a loved one, learn the signs of alcohol abuse and take steps to get help.

Protective Measures and Managing Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure or are concerned about pre-hypertension, you can take steps to improve your heart health without medication, including:

• Embracing a balanced diet and consuming food in moderation. This can help you lose excess weight and take pressure off of your heart.
• Finding an exercise you enjoy doing. This could range from weight lifting to swimming laps in your local pool to joining a belly dance troupe.
• Cutting back on your alcohol consumption or abstaining from it entirely.
• Improving your sleep hygiene and striving to get at least eight hours of rest each night.
• Reducing your stress levels and improving your mental health. You can practice meditating or embrace other activities that help you relax.

There's never a bad time to adopt self-improvement best practices like exercising more and sleeping better. Along with lowering your blood pressure, these steps can make you feel more alert and happier throughout the week. You can also reduce your alcohol consumption or abstain from it entirely if you are worried about your heart health.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.