Why does drinking alcohol lead to elevated blood pressure

The core reason for the increase in blood pressure caused by alcohol consumption is the direct impact of alcohol on blood vessels and the nervous system. In the short term, alcohol dilates blood vessels, while long-term alcohol consumption damages blood vessel walls and increases blood pressure. Reducing alcohol consumption, controlling alcohol intake, and adjusting lifestyle are key to lowering blood pressure.

1. Short term effects of alcohol on blood vessels: After drinking alcohol, alcohol quickly enters the bloodstream, causing blood vessels to dilate, blood flow to accelerate, and blood pressure to temporarily decrease. But this effect is short-lived, as blood vessels rapidly contract and blood pressure rebounds and increases with alcohol metabolism. For hypertensive patients, this fluctuation may trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks.

2. Long term damage of blood vessels by alcohol: Long term alcohol consumption can damage endothelial cells of blood vessels, leading to wall hardening, decreased elasticity, and sustained increase in blood pressure. Alcohol can also stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increase cardiac output, and further increase blood pressure burden. Research has shown that individuals who consume more than 30 grams of alcohol per day have a significantly increased risk of hypertension.

3. Effect of alcohol on renal function: alcohol will interfere with the normal function of the kidney, cause retention of sodium ions and water, increase blood volume, and thus raise hypertension. Long term alcohol consumption may also lead to chronic kidney disease, further exacerbating hypertension.

4. Alcohol interference on hormone levels: Alcohol stimulates the adrenal gland to secrete more adrenaline and noradrenaline, which can cause vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Alcohol can also affect the balance of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, further exacerbating hypertension.

5. Reduce alcohol consumption and control alcohol intake: For patients with hypertension, it is recommended to completely quit drinking or strictly limit alcohol intake. Men's daily alcohol intake should not exceed 25 grams, and women's should not exceed 15 grams. You can choose low alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages as alternatives.

6. Adjusting lifestyle: In addition to controlling alcohol consumption, a healthy lifestyle should also be adopted to manage blood pressure. It is recommended to engage in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. We should reduce salt intake in our diet and eat more foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, such as bananas, spinach, and low-fat dairy products.

7. Regular monitoring of blood pressure: Hypertensive patients should regularly monitor their blood pressure to understand the trend of blood pressure changes. Self testing blood pressure at home or regular hospital check ups are both effective methods. If blood pressure continues to rise, seek medical attention promptly and adjust the treatment plan. Drinking alcohol can lead to elevated blood pressure, which is a complex process involving multiple aspects such as blood vessels, nervous system, kidneys, and hormones. Reducing alcohol consumption, controlling alcohol intake, and adjusting lifestyle are key to lowering blood pressure. For hypertensive patients, quitting alcohol or strictly limiting alcohol consumption is necessary. Meanwhile, regular monitoring of blood pressure and adopting a healthy lifestyle can effectively control blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. If blood pressure continues to rise, seek medical attention promptly and seek professional treatment.