Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and lead to hypertension, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you have high blood pressure, medical experts generally recommend drinking in moderation or, preferably, avoiding it entirely. However, quitting alcohol can be challenging for those struggling with addiction. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment options, including individualized therapy and group support, that can assist individuals in overcoming alcoholism, thereby helping them manage their blood pressure and improving their overall health.
At Guardian Recovery, we offer comprehensive therapeutic approaches and a variety of evidence-based services that address all aspects of substance use. We understand that addiction is a complex condition that affects the physical, emotional, and social well-being of those who suffer. For this reason, we offer multiple levels of care and customized treatment plans designed to provide each individual with all of the tools and resources they need to foster a healthy, fulfilling, substance-free life.
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What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently higher than normal. This can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Blood pressure is measured using systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure is the force when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries, while diastolic pressure is the force when the heart is resting between beats.
Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg or lower. Hypertension is typically defined as having a blood pressure reading consistently above 130/80 mmHg. (1) It often develops gradually over time and is impacted by various factors, including age, genetics, diet, lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions.
Common Symptoms & Side Effects of Having High Blood Pressure Include:
- Headaches, often in the back of the head and in the morning.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion or strenuous activities.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly if blood pressure drops suddenly or blood pressure levels begin to fluctuate.
- Chest pain, also known as angina, which can be a sign of coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
- Blurred vision or changes in vision due to the impact of high blood pressure on the blood vessels in the eyes.
What Is the Relationship Between Alcohol & Blood Pressure?
Alcohol use can increase blood pressure, especially in those who drink more than moderate amounts. The precise mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood, but it is thought that alcohol can damage blood vessels and boost the production of certain hormones that elevate blood pressure. (2) The relationship between alcohol intake and blood pressure is complex and can be influenced by various factors, including the intensity and duration of consumption, individual characteristics, and overall health.
Alcohol’s effects on blood pressure can be either acute or chronic. Drinking alcohol in moderation may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, but this is usually mild and brief in duration. However, excessive alcohol use, such as binge drinking, can lead to a more significant and prolonged elevation in blood pressure.
Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can contribute to the development of chronic high blood pressure. This is because alcohol can have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity, arterial stiffness, and disruption of the body’s fluid balance. (3)(4)(5)
Other Ways Alcohol Use Increases Blood Pressure Levels Include:
- Effect on the Renin-Angiotensin System—Alcohol use can affect the renin-angiotensin system, which regulates blood pressure. (6) It may increase the release of renin, an enzyme that activates the production of a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and leads to elevated blood pressure.
- Weight Gain and Obesity—Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. Excessive alcohol consumption, along with the associated weight gain and obesity, is a risk factor for developing high blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular and Liver Damage—Prolonged heavy drinking can damage the cardiovascular system and the liver. This damage can contribute to hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
Can Increases in Blood Pressure Become Chronic Over Time?
Increases in blood pressure can become persistent over time, leading to chronic hypertension, which includes two distinct types. Essential hypertension has no identifiable cause and is the most common form of high blood pressure. It tends to develop gradually over time due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. (7) Certain health conditions, such as obesity, kidney disease, hormonal and adrenal gland disorders, and certain medications, can contribute to its development.
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The Dangers & Risks of High Blood Pressure & Hypertension from Alcohol Use
Excessive or chronic consumption can significantly increase the risks and dangers associated with high blood pressure and hypertension.
Specific Dangers & Risks Include:
- Worsening of both acute and chronic hypertension.
- Increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- Reducing the effectiveness of blood pressure medications or amplifying their side effects.
- Liver damage, such as alcoholic liver disease, due to insufficient blood pressure regulation.
- Weight gain and obesity, due to high caloric intake or reduced physical activity.
- Increased organ damage, as chronic alcohol use can impair the functioning of organs like the kidneys and heart, increasing the risk of organ failure or other complications.
- Increased risk of formation and life-threatening rupture due to weakening of blood vessels.
Should Those With Blood Pressure Avoid Alcohol Consumption?
To exert some control over blood pressure, it is generally recommended to limit alcohol consumption or refrain from it altogether. Also, other health risks associated with alcohol, such as weight gain, liver damage, and cardiovascular problems, may impact high blood pressure in unpredictable ways. These factors can further interfere with blood pressure regulation and overall cardiovascular health.
Finally, it should be noted that some individuals may be more sensitive to alcohol’s effects on blood pressure than others. Personal factors such as genetics, overall health, and other lifestyle choices can all play a role, and it’s not possible to know who will be profoundly affected by drinking and how much it will impact high blood pressure.
Is High Blood Pressure Caused by Alcohol Reversible?
In some cases, high blood pressure caused by alcohol consumption may be reversible. If alcohol is a significant contributing factor to elevated blood pressure levels, reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can help bring blood pressure back to healthier levels. However, the extent of reversibility may vary depending on individual factors and the duration and severity of alcohol-related high blood pressure.
If you are hoping to reverse alcohol-related high blood pressure, medical experts recommend adopting a healthier lifestyle and using such measures as quitting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in physical activity. Moreover, it’s important to address other underlying factors, such as obesity, malnutrition, or a co-occurring medical condition.
Remember that the reversal process may take time. It is important to be patient and consistent when making healthy lifestyle changes. The duration and severity of high blood pressure can affect the speed at which blood pressure returns to normal.
Above all, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and an addiction specialist for guidance and support in managing hypertension. They can provide personalized advice, monitor your blood pressure, assess the effectiveness of lifestyle changes, or recommend appropriate medications if needed.
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Struggling with any type of addiction in combination with health problems can be overwhelming. That’s why seeking professional help from addiction specialists and healthcare providers is crucial. At Guardian Recovery, we can devise a personalized treatment plan that addresses both your alcohol use and underlying physical and mental health issues, maximizing your chances of experiencing a successful recovery.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation assessment and health insurance benefits check for all our potential clients. You can learn more about our streamlined admissions process, complete continuum of care, and evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to meet your individual needs. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal, grow, and improve their overall well-being.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4314-hypertension-high-blood-pressure
- https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hypertension/alcohol-high-blood-pressure-and-hypertension
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23262-sympathetic-nervous-system-sns-fight-or-flight
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Arterial-Stiffness.aspx
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001187.htm#
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jch.13913
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/secondary-hypertension/symptoms-causes/syc-20350679
