What happens to your blood pressure when you drink alcohol

Alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, trigger heart rate problems and lead conditions such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

1. Temporary increase in blood pressure

After drinking alcohol – especially in moderate to large quantities – your blood pressure can increase for several hours. This temporary point occurs because alcohol stimulates the nervous system and affects the balance of hormones that help regulate the tone of the blood vessel and renal function.

The effect is more pronounced with the excessive consumption of alcohol, which puts sudden stress on the cardiovascular system and can cause significant fluctuations in blood pressure. Over time, repeated episodes of high blood pressure from alcohol consumption can contribute to long -term hypertension and increase the risk of serious heart problems.

2. Long -term elevation with regular use

Drinking alcohol regularly – more than one glass a day for women or two for men – can gradually cause sustained blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This happens because long -term alcohol consumption can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure by affecting hormone levels, increasing the sympathetic activity of the nervous system and promoting inflammation in blood vessels.

3. Interference with blood pressure drugs

Alcohol can increase blood vessels and heart rate, putting additional pressure on the cardiovascular system. Over time, this additional stress can weaken heart muscle and contribute to the development of conditions such as high blood pressure and heart failure.

4. Stress on the heart and blood vessels

Alcohol can increase blood vessels and heart rate, putting additional pressure on the cardiovascular system. This reaction makes it more difficult for the heart to effectively pump blood, which can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of long -term cardiac lesions.

5. Dehydration and electrolytic imbalance

Alcohol is a diuretics, which means that it increases the flow of urine, which can cause dehydration and disturb the electrolyte levels, which may both have a negative impact on blood pressure control. Dehydration and electrolytic imbalances can narrow the blood vessels and the heart to work harder, contributing more to blood pressure peaks.

6. Gain of weight from the excess calorie

Alcohol is rich in empty calories and can cause weight gain over time, which is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure. An excess weight puts additional pressure on the heart and blood vessels, which makes it more difficult for the body to effectively regulate blood pressure.

7. Increase in cortisol levels (stress hormone)

Regular or heavy consumption can increase cortisol levels, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks. High cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can also cause increased inflammation and damage to the walls of blood vessels, further increasing the risk of heart disease.

8. Poor sleep quality

Although alcohol can make you feel sleep, it disrupts deep sleep and can cause fragmented sleep patterns, linked to an increase in blood pressure and overall heart tension.

Is alcohol still beneficial for your health?

Although some research shows that the consumption of alcohol in moderation is healthy, it is likely that part of the link comes from the fact that moderate drinkers, in general, have healthier lifestyles and diets.

Moderate alcohol consumption can increase your good cholesterol. However, this positive impact is not enough to counter the negative effects on alcohol health.

Who shouldn’t drink?

If you are at increased risk of heart disease, discuss your health care provider of your alcohol consumption. They can help you decide what is healthy and what align with your lifestyle.

People in heart failure or people in beta-blockers (used to treat hypertension) should not drink. If you have an abnormal heart rate, talk to your health care provider before drinking.

Main to remember

• Drinking alcohol, especially strongly or in bounges – increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and heart failure.
• Women are particularly vulnerable to alcohol -related heart issues.
• If you are concerned about the effects of alcohol, talk to your doctor; Support options include drugs, therapy and group programs.