An expert has warned that even moderate alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure, heightening the risk of heart attacks and strokes. She also pinpointed the exact number of drinks that could become dangerous for this reason.
It’s a well-known fact that Brits are fond of their drink. According to Drink Aware, 48% of adults in the UK have an alcoholic drink at least once a week.
Despite our belief that we’re drinking responsibly, the NHS warns there is “no completely safe level of drinking”.
An expert has now revealed that consuming more than three alcoholic drinks in one sitting could be harmful.
In a piece for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), registered dietitian Tracy Parker discussed the link between alcohol intake and blood pressure.
“High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart and circulatory diseases,” she said.
“But, while risk factors for high blood pressure like eating too much salt, physical inactivity and obesity are well-known, the risk that comes from drinking too much alcohol is often overlooked.”
She further explained the amount of alcohol needed to affect blood pressure.
Tracy continued: “Alcohol’s effect on blood pressure depends on how much and how often you drink.
“Alcohol can stop brain receptors that help regulate blood pressure from working properly.”
She warned that drinking more than three alcoholic drinks in one sitting can cause a “temporary rise”. “This is because alcohol stimulates the nervous system, which increases the heart rate and narrows blood vessels, leading to a short-term rise in blood pressure,” she explained.
However, she also cautioned that regularly consuming more than four alcoholic drinks in one session can have a “lasting effect” on your health.
She added: “It can stop receptors in the brain that help regulate blood pressure from working properly, which stops your body from responding to changes in blood pressure and can lead long-term high blood pressure.
“This puts strain on your heart muscle and can damage blood vessel walls, which can lead to fatty material building up on blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis), which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.”
Tracy also addressed the notion that red wine is better for your health than other types of alcohol. “But too much of any type of alcohol will negatively affect your blood pressure,” she stated.
Alcohol can also impact your blood pressure due to its high calorie content, leading to weight gain, another risk factor for high blood pressure.
Current NHS guidelines recommend consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. This equates to six pints of beer or six small glasses of wine.
She also cautioned against excessive drinking, which is defined as consuming more than six units of alcohol in a short span of time.
Tracy further explained: “It can cause significant spikes in blood pressure with repeated binge-drinking episodes leading to long-term increases in blood pressure.
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“Sticking to these limits is especially important if you’re at risk of, or already have, high blood pressure. You may consider drinking less or no alcohol. Cutting back or quitting alcohol has been shown to lower blood pressure.”
Other ways to decrease your blood pressure include:
- Staying physically active
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding smoking
If you have any worries about your blood pressure or your alcohol intake, it’s recommended to seek advice from your GP.
