Raises or lowers? How alcohol really affects blood pressure

How alcohol affects hypertensive patients

“Alcohol increases the production of the hormone renin, which causes blood vessels to contract,” says nutritionist Best. “Therefore, following several glasses of alcohol, the blood vessels constrict much more than usual, and, consequently, the pressure on these vessels increases, which leads to an increase in the readings on the tonometer.

Alcohol also affects blood pressure through levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

– It can reduce the effect of pills taken by a hypertensive patient or cause negative side effects, says the nutritionist.

Alcohol also promotes weight gain. And extra pounds are always the cause of high blood pressure.

“Wine, beer, they contain empty calories, which can lead to weight gain and high blood pressure,” says Best.

But hypertensive patients may not need to completely give up alcohol, says a nutritionist. But only if you know how to stop in time.

“Moderation is one serving of alcohol a day for women and two for men,” says Best. – It is important that alcohol is sugar-free, high in healthy resveratrol, an antioxidant that can normalize cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and prevent damage to blood vessels – this is, for example, a good dry red wine. It also contains beneficial oxidants and polyphenols.

Previously, scientists have found that a small amount of alcohol for people over 40 is actually better than none at all. But it was regarding patients without chronic diseases.