Does Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure?

Does Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure?

Typical blood pressure is generally characterized as a systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure result) of lower than 120 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in a blood pressure analysis) of lower than 80 mmHg.

These values are considered optimal for most adults.

However, it's essential to keep in mind that typical blood pressure can differ from one person to another based on a range of aspects, including age, sex, weight, and overall health.

For instance, a blood pressure reading of 115/75 mmHg might be considered normal for someone, while a reading of 110/70 mmHg may be considered normal for another person.

Age Is A Factor

It's also worth keeping in mind that blood pressure tends to raise with age. Because of this, it's not unusual for older adults to have higher blood pressure readings that are still inside the normal range.

If you have concerns about your blood pressure or are worried about your risk for hypertension (also referred to as high blood pressure), it is essential to talk with a doctor. They can help you understand your blood pressure readings and suggest any required lifestyle changes or prescription medications to help you maintain healthy blood pressure amounts.

What Is High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a disorder in which the pressure of the blood against the artery walls is regularly excessive. This increased pressure can cause harm to the blood vessels, the cardiovascular system, and other organs in time.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded as two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).

Hypertension is typically specified as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.

Two Kinds Of High Blood Pressure

There are two kinds of high blood pressure: primary (stage 1) hypertension and secondary (stage 2) hypertension.

Primary hypertension is the most usual type, and it is triggered by a range of factors, including genes, diet, alcohol use and lifestyle elements. Secondary hypertension is often brought on by an underlying medical problem or the use of certain medications.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can raise the threat of significant health issues, like cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.

It's crucial to have your blood pressure examined routinely and to collaborate with a healthcare provider to manage it if it is elevated. Treatment choices might include lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking, quitting drinking as well as some prescription medications.

Does Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure?

Alcohol is a major cause of high blood pressure - ignore some of the nonsense being peddled by the alcohol industry.

Substantial alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of developing hypertension. 

The effect of alcohol on blood pressure can fluctuate from one person to another, but it is typically thought that drinking daily or binge drinking will dramatically raise the danger of hypertension.

One drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.

It's worth keeping in mind that the connection between alcohol and blood pressure is complicated, and the precise mechanisms by which alcohol can increase blood pressure are not completely understood.

Why Does Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure?

• Alcohol can disrupt the normal functioning of the blood vessels and heart, resulting in an increase in blood pressure.
• Alcohol use can cause a rise in the production of stress hormones, which can elevate blood pressure.
• Alcohol can cause weight gain, which is a known risk factor for hypertension.

If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it, it's crucial to be conscious of your alcohol usage.

Severe alcohol use can increase the risk of major health problems, including heart disease and stroke. If you have concerns about your alcohol use or your blood pressure, it's a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential dangers and suggest any required life adjustments.

Wait! Isn't Red Wine Supposed To Be Good For Your Heart?

There is some limited evidence to suggest that modest usage of red wine may have potential health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease.

However, it's necessary to take note that the connection between wine and heart health is perplexing and not completely understood. A major report recently concluded that there is ZERO benefit to drinking alcohol in any amount!

While some older studies have found that modest red wine use may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, it's essential to remember that alcohol can also have unfavourable effects on the heart and general health.

For instance, heavy alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of chronic hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt the normal functioning of the blood vessels and heart, which can increase the danger of heart troubles.

It's also worth keeping in mind that red wine, like all kinds of alcohol, contains calories and will add to weight gain if drunk in excess.

Excessive body weight is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so it's essential to be conscious of your overall calorie intake if you choose to drink red wine or any other kind of alcohol.

Alcohol And High Blood Pressure: The Options:

Needless to say reducing the amount you drinking is the recommended next step. If you do so, you should see a rapid decrease in blood pressures numbers and ergo pressure on your heart.

Cutting back is good but quitting drinking completely is much better. If you want more information on how to stop drinking alcohol, sign up for our next free quit drinking webinar.