Alcohol And Blood Pressure
A 2018 study, echoed by the World Health Organization , concluded that no amount of alcohol is safe for consumption, as alcohol leads to a loss of healthy life. Drinking frequently or binging on a large amount of alcohol in a small period of time can lead to health problems.
Drinking alcohol may also increase blood pressure for a short amount of time even in healthy people. If you drink too much over time, chronic hypertension can develop.
Hypertension leads to an increased risk of other health problems, including stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
Does Excessive Drinking Contribute To Heart Disease
Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is linked to a number of poor health outcomes, including heart conditions. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure or stroke. Excessive drinking can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle.
Whats more, alcohol can contribute to obesity and the long list of health problems that can go along with it, McEvoy says: Alcohol is a source of excess calories and a cause of weight gain that can be harmful in the long term.
The takeaway, McEvoy says, is what you probably already knew: If you choose to drink alcohol, stick to moderate levels of drinking, and dont overdo it. Were not talking about going out and drinking yourself merry and then expecting good heart outcomes, McEvoy says.
Red Wine And Blood Pressure
Red wine contains an antioxidant called resveratrol, which some studies have shown reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure.
Older studies had shown potential benefits of moderate drinking of red wine, but more recently it has been proven that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe, or can reduce the risk of hypertension.
Recommended Reading: Stella Rosa Black Similar
First What Factors Can Affect My Blood Pressure
When you or your doctor checks your blood pressure, what do those numbers tell you? For one thing, they give you an idea of how healthy your heart and blood vessels are. When your heart pumps out blood to the rest of your body, your blood vessels should be stretchy enough to take on all that incoming blood. If your blood vessels are stiff, theres less flexibility when that blood flows through, which translates to higher blood pressure.
So, things that affect how much blood your heart pumps out and how stretchy your blood vessels are include:
-
Not being physically active
-
Having diabetes
-
Drinking alcohol
Family history, genetics, and older age are factors outside of your control that can affect blood pressure, too.
Myth: Red Wine Is An Antioxidant
Fact: Its true that red wine contains antioxidants, which can improve cholesterol and help you maintain a healthy blood pressure.
You want to make sure, however, youre not drinking so much red wine that the alcohol counters the protective benefits. If youre interested in getting more antioxidants in your diet, talk to a dietitian or your doctor about antioxidant-rich foods and supplements.
Recommended Reading: Which Wine Has The Least Calories
Myth: Red Wine Is Good For Everyone
Fact: Women and men experience alcohol differently, so they should consume it differently. One glass of wine per day is plenty for women, while men shouldnt drink more than two glasses a day.
We still dont really know if red wine is good for heart health. Until theres more information available, its best to drink moderately and talk to your doctor. For information about other heart-healthy practices, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Wine And Blood Pressure Medications
Consuming wine, or any alcoholic beverage, while you are taking any medication is not recommended. Red wine impairs your digestive tract’s ability to properly absorb your medication. Drinking wine with medications will increase their effects and elevate their concentrations in your body, which increases the risk of adverse reactions and toxicity. Moreover, drinking wine with blood pressure medications elevates the risk of dose dumping, Drugs.com says. Dose dumping is when your body metabolizes medications prematurely, greatly increasing the risk of adverse reactions and even toxicity.
Also Check: Total Wine Receipt
With Blood Pressure In Mind Is There A Safe Amount Of Alcohol To Drink
According to the American Heart Association , women should stick to no more than 1 drink per day and men should stick to no more than 2 drinks per day. If youre wondering whats considered 1 drink, here are the guidelines:
-
12 oz beer
-
1.5 oz of 80-proof alcohol
-
1 oz of 100-proof alcohol
If you struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction, you can find helpful resources through the American Addiction Centers.
Can Drinking Red Wine Stop High Blood Pressure
Photo credit: bigstock
Its fairly well-known that drinking a moderate amount of red wine can offer numerous health benefits. One study showed that the compounds in red wine protect your body from oxidation, which prevents certain types of cancer and offers protect from depression. Even earlier studies showed that this very popular beverage, which is made from grapes of darker colors, can even protect us from heart disease and improve our overall cardiovascular health.
If that isnt enough reason to enjoy some wine with dinner, a new study has given us yet another reason to drink red wine. This study, recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition, found that the red grapes, from which wine gets its start, can lower blood pressure. This suggests that red wine is a great way to treat one of Western worlds biggest killers hypertension, or high blood pressure. Find out 8 things to eat to naturally lower blood pressure.
In this study, 40 male rats were fed either a high fructose diet or a high fructose diet that was supplemented with different doses of red grape berry cells. The amounts were 200, 400, and 800mg/kg of body weight per day, over a 5 week period. The rats blood pressure, plasma triglycerides, adiponectin, and insulin levels were measured at the beginning of the trial then again after 3 weeks and then again after 5 weeks. The red grape cells effects on vasodilation were also monitored.
Continue to Page 2
You May Like: Fresita Sparkling Wine
Don’t Miss: Ounces Bottle Of Wine
Are Polyphenols The Answer
Well they wont stop the damage heavy alcohol can do if that is what you mean!
However, antioxidants are considered a good thing and Red wine has more of them than say white or Rose.
And also non alcoholic Red wine does as well when compared to other wines. So the same rules apply.
I will tell you why shortly!
Polyphenols are often talked about as the golden panacea for health.
In reality a good diet is of course what we need but there is something that even the medical experts agree on that could help with our consumption of alcohol free wine.
Its that glorious 5 a day.
Plenty of fruit and veg.
They are good for us but I am not just talking about lots of pasteurized fruit juice here with all that sugar.
Yes those antioxidants are not manufactured and they appear naturally in fruit and of course wine is made from grapes.
And the skin of grapes in particular!
You see it is not the alcohol after all!
Its another good reason to drink Non-Alcoholic Red wine!
Wine Calms High Blood Pressure
In the study, which appears in the September issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers followed more than 36,000 healthy middle-aged men who were not taking drugs for heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure.
The men’s health and drinking status were recorded in an exam conducted between 1978 and 1985 and deaths among the group were tracked for 13-21 years.
Overall, 4,203 deaths were recorded during the study period. Researchers found that at each blood pressure level, men who drank less than 60 grams of alcohol a day from wine were less likely to have died from any cause than those who didn’t drink, even among those with high blood pressure.
Specifically, men with an average systolic blood pressure of:
- 158 mm Hg had a 23% lower risk
- 139 mm Hg had a 27% lower risk
- 116 mm Hg had a 37% lower risk
The study was supported by the French Ministry of Agriculture and the European Institute for Wine and Health.
Show Sources
Recommended Reading: Wine Bottle Height Inches
Does This Prove Alcohol
It’s hard to say whether or not this study proves that alcohol free wine reduces blood pressure. The results of the study showed a reduction in blood pressure for those people that took part in the study. However, there’s no escaping the fact it was a very small group of only 67 men in a specific age category.
Even the outcome of the study stated Consumption of dealcoholized red wine might be useful in preventing low- to moderate-degree hypertension.
Whether or not the same results would be reflected in a larger study or with a broader demographic, it’s hard to say. Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, reviewed the study and said I wouldnt ever make a clinical recommendation based on just one small study. However, if you happen to like non-alcoholic red wine and drink it anyway, it might be worthwhile to see if it helps your high blood pressure
Why Does Alcohol Stress The Heart
A variety of factors may explain alcohols impact on the heart, according to research scientists.
Alcohol increases appetite and is itself very energy-dense, so drinking often leads to greater caloric intake overall, said Dr. Aladin.
With more calories consumed, weight gain can follow, which is a well-established factor in raising blood pressure.
In addition, people who drink a lot may be more likely to eat unhealthy foods and exercise less. Alcohol consumption may also increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which may have a negative effect on heart health.
Also Check: What Is The Best Temp For Wine Fridge
Ebony Vale Cabernet Sauvignon
This wonderful non-alcoholic Ebony Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is crammed full of fruity flavours of plum and red Berry which are carried through into its rich aroma. This wine is smooth on the palate that is again finished off with a slightly sweeter edge.
Ebony Vale cleverly harvest grapes early to ensure lower levels of sugar which helps reduce the potential alcohol during fermentation. By using these grapes and fermenting at low temperatures they were able to achieve an excellent colour and aroma without the risk of damaging the wine from harsh dealcoholisation.
Try the Ebony Vale Cabernet Sauvignon – Buy Yours Today.
What Are The Benefits Of Red Wine For Lowering High Blood Pressure
Why do you need to find the best red wine for health? If you are suffering from high blood pressure, heart problems, or you just want to feel healthier in the long run, getting your hands on the best red wine is worth it. There are plenty of health benefits associated with this drink such as:
It can raise good cholesterol From the food that we eat daily, there is a high chance that there are some ingredients that are causing your bad cholesterol to go up. This can lead to high blood pressure if you are not careful because plaques can form in your arteries. Drinking the best red wine for health, on the other hand, can raise your good cholesterol, so that there is less risk of you harming your heart health.
It can protect your heart Another benefit to drinking red wine is that it protects your heart. This is due to the antioxidants present in red wine that help make the blood vessels flexible which can reduce blood clotting to occur. Theyre almost as effective as taking aspirin for your heart health. However, make sure that you dont go overboard with your drinking as it can have dangerous side effects.
It regulates blood sugar If you have diabetes, drinking the best red wine for health can aid in regulating your blood sugar levels. This is because the skins of red grapes, which are used in making wine, contain the compound resveratrol that has positive effects on a persons blood sugar.
Read Also: Wine By The Glass Pricing
What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
You can’t usually feel or notice high blood pressure. In fact, many people may not know they have it. This is because high blood pressure very rarely causes any obvious symptoms until a serious acute event such as a heart attack or stroke.
The best way of knowing if theres a problem is to have your blood pressure measured. You can have this done at your GP surgery, some local pharmacies, at your NHS Health Check or you can buy a reliable blood pressure monitor from the pharmacist.
Phenol Antioxidants In Whisky And Wine
Both whisky and wine have phenol antioxidants that can protect our hearts.
Consumption of wine or whisky transiently increases the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity of plasma. This suggests that phenolics in alcoholic beverages could have antioxidant function in vivo and adequate intake of anti-oxidants and moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of the development of heart disease.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content takes no responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
You May Like: What Wine Has The Lowest Calories
You May Like: Gluten Free Wines List
Red Wine Extracts And Blood Pressure
Red wine extracts containing concentrated grape polyphenols are also available which provide the antioxidant benefits without having to drink the wine. Some supplements contain as much resveratrol as 300 or more glasses of Chianti!
In ten studies assessing the effects of mixed grape polyphenols on blood pressure, five showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, while five showed no significant changes. When all the results were analysed, the overall reduction remained significant, but small, with grape polyphenols lowering systolic blood pressure, on average, by 1.48 mmHg compared to placebo.
When supplements consist of concentrated resveratrol rather than mixed grape polyphenols, however, the effects are more pronounced. Six studies, involving 247 people with high blood pressure showed that taking at least 150 mg resveratrol per day lowered systolic blood pressure by an impressive 11.90 mmHg compared with placebo.
There were no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure and lower doses of resveratrol did not show a significant effect.
Stress Relief To Lower Blood Pressure
Chronic stress can also lead to high blood pressure. It could be argued that a glass of wine may be used to help you relax and relieve stress. However, if you dont currently drink wine, this is not a reason to start.
If you have a question for our HealthCentral experts, please submit here.
You should know: The answer above provides general health information that is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional.
Also Check: How To Sell Vintage Wine
Heart Disease And Blood Pressure
Regular light intake of red wine may help lower heart disease risk. Compared with men consuming no alcohol, life expectancy was extended 5 years in men consuming an amount of wine containing an average of 2 grams of alcohol per day, according to the Zutphen study published in the July 2009 issue of the “Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.” This amount of alcohol is equivalent to about 1 ounce, or a shot glass, of wine daily. Research indicates that a small amount of wine may lower blood pressure during a few hours after intake, but long-term high intake of any alcoholic beverage, including wine, raises blood pressure and is not recommended for people with hypertension.
Reduce Your Risk Of Hypertension
Hypertension is one of the most preventable alcohol-related problems. Drinking less alcohol lowers your blood pressure.
Reducing the amount you drink can help you lose weight. This is also good for heart health.
Hypertension causes most problems when its left untreated. Get your blood pressure checked regularly so that you can get treatment if you need it.
Your GP or pharmacist can check your blood pressure.
You May Like: Malibu Winery Zoo
Reversing The Effects Of Alcohol On Blood Pressure
The effects of alcohol build up over time, so stopping alcohol use is the best way to reduce its effects on blood pressure.
There are other steps you should also consider taking if you have high blood pressure and are using alcohol. Talking with your doctor is essential, as they will be able to tell how high your blood pressure is, what is contributing to it and what you can do to help it. Diet changes and exercise are usually an essential part of controlling blood pressure, and medications may help as well. There are also medications that can help offset some of the effects of alcohol.
Stopping alcohol use can be difficult, but help is available at The Recovery Village. Our caring alcohol addiction specialists have helped many people stop using substances like alcohol and begin leading a healthier, more fulfilling life. Reach out to one of our representatives to learn more about our treatment programs, and take the first step toward lifelong recovery and health today.
- Sources
Sheps, Sheldon. Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure? Mayo Clinic, January 9, 2020. Accessed from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure/faq-20058254 on November 6, 2020.
American Heart Association. Limiting Alcohol to Manage High Blood Pressure. 2020. Accessed November 6, 2020.
