Why does alcohol raise blood pressure

Read our cookies policy to find out more about cookies and how we use them. Alcohol's effect on the body Blood pressure and the heart The brain The liver The pancreas. The stomach Weight gain Sex life and fertility How alcohol affects your looks. Blood pressure and the heart A lot of alcohol over a long time - or too much on a single occasion - can damage the heart or interfere with the way it works.

This can cause different problems, including: high blood pressure hypertension increased risk of strokes cardiomyopathy stretching and drooping of the heart muscle arrhythmias irregular heartbeat High blood pressure hypertension High blood pressure is the most common alcohol-related health problem. High blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of: stroke heart disease vascular dementia - caused by not enough blood being able to get to the brain chronic kidney disease Related topics Weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines Reduce your risk of hypertension Hypertension is one of the most preventable alcohol-related problems.

Reducing the amount you drink can help you lose weight. This is also good for heart health. Your GP or pharmacist can check your blood pressure. Back to top. Welcome to the Quit smoking Live Chat.

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart problems, stroke, and kidney disease. More information on these issues is available from the following organisations:. Arming yourself with strategies and tips can help you or a loved one take small steps towards big results.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. High blood pressure hypertension. Home Facts Health effects of alcohol Effects on the body Alcohol and blood pressure. Alcohol and blood pressure Alcohol can have a serious long-term effect on blood pressure.

On this page. What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? What causes high blood pressure? However, there are several factors that can play a part in increasing the risks of developing hypertension, including: Regularly drinking alcohol above the low-risk guidelines Not doing enough exercise Being overweight A family history of high blood pressure Consuming too much salt.

How to reduce high blood pressure To lower your blood pressure, you should: Cut down on alcohol Exercise regularly Lose weight, if you are overweight Eat a healthy diet, including reducing your salt intake. How to reduce your drinking The UK Chief Medical Officers' CMO low risk drinking guidelines advise that people should not regularly drink more than more than 14 units a week to keep health risks from alcohol low.

Switch to non-alcoholic or low alcohol options. Have several drink-free days a week. If cutting back on alcohol is hard for you to do on your own, ask your healthcare provider about getting help.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. High Blood Pressure. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. Blood Pressure Toolkit.