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An authority in the field has cautioned that consuming alcohol, even in moderation, can elevate your blood pressure, thereby increasing the chances of heart attacks and strokes. She identified the specific number of drinks that could be problematic for this reason.
It is widely recognized that people in the UK enjoy their beverages. As per Drink Aware, 48% of UK adults indulge in alcoholic drinks at least once weekly.
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.
“Although factors leading to high blood pressure, such as excessive salt intake, lack of physical activity, and obesity, are commonly recognized, the danger posed by excessive alcohol consumption is frequently neglected.”
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 highlighted that consuming more than three alcoholic beverages in one session might cause a “temporary rise.” “The reason is that alcohol activates the nervous system, escalating the heart rate and constricting blood vessels, resulting in a brief increase in blood pressure,” she clarified.
However, she also cautioned that regularly consuming more than four alcoholic drinks in one session can have a “lasting effect” on your health.
She further explained: “Alcohol can disrupt brain receptors that help regulate blood pressure, impairing your body’s response to blood pressure changes and potentially leading to chronic high blood pressure.
This strain on the heart muscle can damage blood vessel walls, paving the way for fatty deposits to accumulate on these walls (atherosclerosis), thus raising the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.”
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.
