Hypertension: How just 1 alcohol drink a day may affect blood pressure

best and worst alcohol for high blood pressure

But the researchers noted that they couldn’t separate which component of dairy may be responsible for the association, surmising that phosphorus and calcium may be playing a role. High blood pressure is a condition that occurs when the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

When to see your doctor about high blood pressure

Keep in mind that alcohol contains calories and may cause weight gain. It may affect the level of the medication in the body or increase side effects. Margaritas are a classic summertime staple, especially if you’re hanging with friends and family on the beach. But if you want to keep blood pressure https://ecosoberhouse.com/ levels in check, you’re going to need to try something with less sodium and added sugars. “Between the tomato juice mix and the pickled garnishes, Bloody Marys are notoriously high in sodium, which can raise blood pressure, especially in sodium-sensitive individuals,” says McMordie.

  • Some beverages may contribute to high blood pressure, and avoiding them may help people manage hypertension.
  • Then make sure to check out The Worst Alcoholic Beverages For Blood Sugar.
  • With that said, there may be other compounds in coffee such as antioxidants, micronutrients and other plant compounds that have an anti inflammatory effect and are actually beneficial for blood pressure.

Does drinking alcohol affect blood pressure?

best and worst alcohol for high blood pressure

Beets are rich in dietary nitrates, a compound known to have blood pressure-lowering effects. In a 2017 review, researchers found that these benefits were greater than the effects of nitrates alone. Treatment for high blood pressure generally involves a combination of medications, which are used to relax or widen your blood vessels, along with diet and lifestyle changes. This can cause your heart and blood vessels to work harder, which can damage your heart muscle over time.

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If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may have advised you to drink alcohol in moderation and cut back on your overall alcohol intake. Various drinks may help a person reduce their blood pressure, such as tea or beetroot juice. A person who has hypertension should avoid consuming too much caffeine or soda.

best and worst alcohol for high blood pressure

best and worst alcohol for high blood pressure

Steven Nissen, MD, a cardiologist from the Cleveland Clinic, points out that increasing blood pressure, even in small amounts, increases the risk of stroke. “I do think we need to communicate clearly to the public that alcohol is not beneficial—that a little bit of alcohol is probably not harmful, but don’t expect benefits,” Dr. Nissen explains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that if a person has hypertension, they may have a higher risk of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. In addition to following a heart-healthy diet, some types of drinks may also be helpful when it comes to lowering your blood pressure. In both reviews, the researchers concluded that berries likely have cardiovascular benefits, but more research needs to be done to clarify their role in preventing and controlling heart disease. The effects on systolic blood pressure were independent of how long participants consumed pomegranate juice for and how much.

best and worst alcohol for high blood pressure

Special Health Reports

best and worst alcohol for high blood pressure

However, if you want to partake in alcohol consumption, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provide the following guidelines. Research has not proven that wine is linked to lowering blood pressure, says can alcohol lower blood pressure James Beckerman, MD, a cardiologist at the Providence St. Vincent Heart Clinic in Portland, OR. “If you have high blood pressure, it’s probably in your best interest to drink minimally,” Morledge said. Experts reveal how a sip too many might tip the scales on your heart health.

Blood pressure is the pressure the blood exerts as it pushes against the artery walls. Some studies suggest low amounts of alcohol may lower blood pressure. However, further research indicates alcohol can actually cause hypertension. But this effect may not be significant, according to research from 2017, which showed that people with high blood pressure may be able to safely drink coffee. A 2020 review reported that drinking cranberry or cherry juice may improve your blood pressure.

What about coffee and alcohol?

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  • In addition to alcohol use, many other factors can cause high blood pressure.
  • Recent data suggest that moderate and heavy drinking contributes to high blood pressure in men and women.
  • Black or green tea may lower blood pressure, according to a 2020 review and meta-analysis.
  • A 2018 study showed that no amount of alcohol is considered safe, because its risks lead to a loss of healthy life.
  • Experts have known for a while that heavy drinking — meaning eight or more drinks per week for women and 15-plus per week for men — raises your risk for high blood pressure (a.k.a. hypertension).
  • Although these values can be helpful, there is some variation in alcohol content.