Alcohol and Blood Pressure

How Does Alcohol Affect Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it circulates throughout the body.

A blood pressure measurement typically has two numbers:

1. Systolic blood pressure: when your heart contracts to pump blood (the top number)
2. Diastolic blood pressure: when your heart relaxes in between beats (the bottom number)

A normal blood pressure reading is typically less than 120/80 mmHg.

If you have high blood pressure, it means that either your systolic or diastolic number is elevated above normal levels.

Studies from the National Library of Medicine reveal several ways in which alcohol affects high blood pressure:

• Vasopressin: Alcohol causes dehydration, producing vasopressin, which can increase blood pressure.
• Renin levels: Alcohol affects the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in your kidneys by boosting renin levels, which causes blood vessels to narrow—leading to higher blood pressure.
• Calcium: Alcohol impacts the calcium balance in certain muscles, making them more sensitive to constriction or narrowing.
• Cortisol: Alcohol raises cortisol, which ultimately leads to elevated blood pressure through excessive fluid retention
• Central Nervous System: Alcohol impacts the central nervous system, potentially triggering stress responses like an increased heart rate, leading to higher blood pressure.

Can Someone With High Blood Pressure Drink Alcohol?

Potentially, yes—but the answer depends on the individual.

Generally speaking, moderate drinking—two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women—is safe for most people, but regular alcohol intake can increase your blood pressure. Consistent drinking may be risky if you already have high blood pressure.

A glass of wine now and again is likely okay, for instance, but consistent drinking puts you more at risk for developing complications.

For safety reasons, you should consult with your primary care doctor to check for any safety concerns about consuming alcohol if you already have high blood pressure.

Will Quitting Alcohol Lower My Blood Pressure?

Yes, quitting alcohol can help lower your blood pressure.

The American Heart Association recommends that men limit their alcohol consumption to two alcoholic beverages daily and women to just one. By cutting back or quitting alcohol, you can also reduce your risk of other health problems.

However, note that this is just one aspect of managing hypertension. Incorporating healthy lifestyle changes and following your doctor’s medical prescriptions will help you see a greater impact on your blood pressure and overall heart health.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses all the high blood pressure risk factors.

Dangers of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is potentially dangerous and can lead to serious health issues.

Here are just some of the dangers of high blood pressure:

• Heart disease: High blood pressure causes the heart to work harder to pump blood, which can lead to the thickening of the heart muscle—increasing the risk of heart failure or heart attack.
• Stroke: A stroke occurs when high blood pressure damages blood vessels, restricting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. The extra stress on your arteries can also cause clots, spasms, or ruptures.
• Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, making them unable to efficiently filter waste and fluid from the blood. As a result, chronic kidney disease and even kidney failure may occur.
• Vision problems: Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss or blindness.
• Dementia: Dementia is a decline in cognitive function, such as memory and thinking, that interferes with daily life. High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing dementia by damaging blood vessels in the brain—reducing blood flow and depriving it of oxygen and nutrients.
• Sexual dysfunction: Hypertension can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and sexual dysfunction in women due to limited blood flow to the sex organs.
• Damaged arteries: High blood pressure causes thickening and hardening of the arterial walls (atherosclerosis), leading to plaque formation. These plaques narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. They can also rupture, forming blood clots.
• Aneurysms: Hypertension can cause the walls of the blood vessels to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm. Aneurysms are most common in the aorta and can cause internal bleeding and stroke once they rupture.

High Blood Pressure Management and Prevention

Hypertension can cause life-threatening health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Therefore, monitoring and managing your blood pressure is crucial to reducing these health risks.

The good news is that lifestyle changes and certain blood pressure medications can help prevent and manage hypertension and maintain your blood pressure.

Managing High Blood Pressure

If you already have high blood pressure, there are steps you can take to manage it. Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an effective treatment plan that works for you.

As always, follow your doctor’s instructions and keep up with regular check-ups to ensure your strategy is working as it should.

Managing high blood pressure can include one or more of the following:

• Medications: Several medications can help manage high blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
• Lifestyle and Dietary Changes: A diet low in salt and cholesterol, a regular exercise routine, and a commitment to limit smoking and the amount of alcohol you drink can contribute to a healthier heart.
• Monitoring Blood Pressure: You can perform regular blood pressure readings at home or through check-ups at the doctor to keep tabs on your blood pressure levels.
• Managing Comorbidities: High blood pressure often occurs alongside other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.

You may have to work with a team of healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan to manage your high blood pressure. Remember, managing hypertension is a long-term commitment, but it’s worth it to maintain a healthy and happy life.

Preventing High Blood Pressure

You can do many things to prevent the risk of hypertension—even if you are more at risk due to hereditary or other factors.

Several lifestyle changes can help prevent hypertension, including:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has essential nutrients and minerals, such as potassium, that can help lower blood pressure.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help increase blood flow, strengthen your heart, and reduce stress.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can put a lot of strain on your heart and blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference.
• Quit Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for high blood pressure and other health problems like cardiovascular disease. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes constrict blood vessels and raise your heart rate—increasing blood pressure.
• Reduce Stress: Stress can cause your blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure. Finding ways to relax and manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or therapy, can help lower blood pressure.
• Limit Alcohol Intake: The occasional drink or two might be okay, but drinking too much can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of hypertension.

Who Needs Treatment for Their Alcohol Intake?

An individual who participates in moderate drinking may not require treatment for alcohol issues. However, if your alcohol consumption has begun to cause problems with your health or other parts of your life, you should consider seeking medical advice or treatment.

Alcohol abuse comes in different forms, including occasional binge drinking, heavy drinking, and a full-fledged addiction.

Even moderate alcohol consumption can be problematic if it causes harm to the drinker’s health and well-being. For instance, someone with high blood pressure may be at an increased risk of negative side effects due to drinking alcohol.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse

Treatment for alcohol abuse typically involves addressing the underlying reasons for drinking, changing habits related to alcohol, and developing coping skills to avoid or manage urges to drink.

Treatment options can include:

1. Psychotherapy: This approach involves individual or group sessions to address the psychological and emotional aspects of alcohol abuse. Common forms of this therapy include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
2. Medication-assisted treatment: Your health professional may prescribe certain medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram to reduce cravings or manage withdrawal symptoms.
3. Rehabilitation programs: This treatment may involve inpatient or outpatient programs to provide support and structure for those in recovery.
4. Support groups: This option involves attending meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or similar groups for peer support and accountability.

It is important to seek professional help if you are concerned about your or a loved one’s alcohol use. An addiction specialist can help determine the best course of action and provide guidance on available treatment options.

Get Help for Alcohol Use and High Blood Pressure

If you or someone you love is experiencing the effects of excessive alcohol use and high blood pressure, hope and help are available. Remember, it’s never too late to take control of your health and get on the path to recovery.

For treatment options, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or using their Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator at FindTreatment.gov to find resources in your area.