Does Alcohol Raise Your Blood Pressure?
Maintaining a normal blood pressure is essential for your health. If you suffer from prolonged high blood pressure, or hypertension, you risk several severe health issues, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Many things can lead to high pressure, including alcohol consumption. While alcohol can temporarily increase your blood pressure, regular drinking can lead to consistently high blood pressure, putting your heart and health at risk.
Learn more about the effects of alcohol on your blood pressure, and what you can do if you’re worried about the impact of your drinking on your health.
What does alcohol do to blood pressure?
When you drink alcohol, the muscles in your blood vessels become narrower. Narrow blood vessels mean your heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body, which puts strain on the heart and causes it to weaken. This is what leads to high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can lead to many conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vascular dementia
Other causes of high blood pressure include poor diet, being overweight, some medicines, smoking and stress. Regular drinking and drinking too much can cause your blood pressure to increase, and if you have already been diagnosed with hypertension, you should try to cut down on your alcohol consumption to help prevent your symptoms from getting worse.
High blood pressure symptoms
Most people with high blood pressure don’t realize they have it. However, some people may experience symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
Regular blood pressure monitoring can help identify high blood pressure and allows those who suffer from it to keep an eye on their blood pressure and try to lower it.
Studies about alcohol and blood pressure
The link between alcohol and blood pressure has been featured in several studies. Some studies have shown that alcohol initially decreases blood pressure, but 12 hours after consumption, it leads to an increase in blood pressure. Meanwhile, there is evidence that reducing alcohol consumption lowers blood pressure. Many doctors recommend a reduction in alcohol consumption to help reduce blood pressure and to experience other health benefits such as weight loss.
Suffering from alcohol addiction? Reach out to Peaks Recovery
Alcohol addiction can impact your life in many ways. From your health to your behavior, alcohol can have serious consequences and affect your relationships and your future. Taking action to deal with your addiction can help you improve your health, reconnect and establish new behaviors for a brighter future. At Peaks Recovery, we work with clients suffering from alcohol addiction, helping them to become sober and embark on a new chapter in their lives.
From providing initial advice to aftercare, Peaks Recovery can help you every step of the way. For more information about our program, contact us today, and let us help you on your path to recovery.
Medical Disclaimer: Peaks Recovery Centers uses fact-based content about recovery treatment, addiction medicine, and behavioral health conditions to improve the quality of life for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction or mental health disorders. This information is not intended to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, care, or treatment. This information should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider and/or your physician.