Alcohol Has This Effect On Your Blood Pressure

After a stressful day at work, it's not uncommon to unwind with a glass of wine or beer. Feeling too drained to prepare a nutritious meal, many turn to food delivery apps while scrolling through social media. While this routine may provide temporary relief, the impact of alcohol on blood pressure is more complex than it seems.

Here's What Happens

Consuming one or two drinks can initially help you relax and may even cause a slight drop in blood pressure. According to a 2020 analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, two drinks can lower systolic blood pressure by 5.6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg for up to six hours. However, this reduction is only temporary, and blood pressure typically returns to baseline levels after the initial effect wears off.

Drinking more than two alcoholic beverages can also show a temporary dip in blood pressure, but after 13 hours, blood pressure readings are often elevated. Regularly consuming alcohol in excess, particularly through binge drinking, is a well-documented risk factor for developing hypertension over time.

Daily Alcohol Consumption and Hypertension

For many, an evening drink is a common ritual. However, studies indicate that drinking alcohol daily, particularly on an empty stomach, increases the likelihood of high blood pressure. A 2004 study in Hypertension highlighted that individuals who drank alcohol daily or without meals were more likely to develop hypertension compared to those who drank less frequently or paired their drinks with food.

More recent research underscores the dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consumption and blood pressure. A 2023 review in Hypertension found that while a single drink per day might cause a modest rise in blood pressure, consuming four drinks daily could amplify this increase up to threefold.

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, peaking in the morning and declining in the evening. However, a 2024 study published in Physiology revealed that heavy drinkers experienced an 8% higher systolic blood pressure and a 7% higher diastolic pressure at night. Moreover, these individuals exhibited a reduced evening dip in blood pressure, a pattern linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure

Alcohol exerts its effects on blood pressure through multiple physiological mechanisms. According to a 2014 study in the World Journal of Cardiology, alcohol impacts the central nervous system and blood vessels, causing fluctuations in systolic blood pressure. While a drink or two might feel relaxing, alcohol triggers the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which elevate heart rate and blood pressure.

The body's natural pressure-regulating sensors, known as baroreceptors, become less sensitive under the influence of alcohol, making it harder to maintain stable blood pressure. Additionally, alcohol disrupts hormonal balance, leading to fluid retention and blood vessel constriction. It also impairs the production of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule essential for relaxing blood vessels, while increasing harmful free radicals that damage blood vessel linings.

While moderate drinking may have minimal effects on blood pressure, regular or heavy alcohol consumption poses significant risks. Maintaining moderation and being mindful of drinking habits is vital for long-term cardiovascular health.