Hypertension and Alcohol
The exact etiology of hypertension is unknown. However, it is generally agreed upon that it results from a combination of genetic factors (as indicated by its tendency to exist in families) and environmental factors in the form of the lifestyle habits one tends to live by.
There are factors which predispose to the development of hypertension which one cannot modify. These include positive family history, age and sex
However, there are other modifiable factors involved in hypertension one can control. What a person puts into his body greatly affects his blood pressure. His diet, caffeine intake, alcohol consumption and the drugs he/she takes are all part of the scheme which determines the state of his/her cardiovascular system.
The relationship between hypertension and alcohol has long been debated. In some researches, it has been proven that consuming small amounts (1-4 standard drinks per day) of alcohol actually decreases the risk of developing coronary and ischaemic heart diseases by up to 15%. Since alcohol consumption is a controllable factor, 15% is considered a significant percentage.
However, even light drinking has been found to increase the risk of developing hypertension in habitual alcohol consumers.
It has also been established that longstanding and excessive consumption of alcohol will eventually increase the risk of devloping hypertension. Despite many recorded cases, the exact mechanism has not yet been determined.
Consuming excessive amounts has not only been linked to an increase in blood pressure but also to an increase in the occurrence of hypertensive complications such as hemorrhagic cerebrovascular stroke and ischaemic heart disease. While alcohol alone is an important risk factor, it is even more dangerous when combined with other factors such as smoking, obesity, oral contraceptive pill use, intake of steroids, sedentary lifestyle, etc.
To limit this risk, one should cut back on the amount of alcohol regularly consumed. It’s especially important for individuals with hypertension, a positive family history of hypertension or any other risk factors predisposing to hypertension (for e.g. obesity) to monitor their alcohol intake carefully.
The idea of reducing daily intake to save up for one big binge at the end of the week or when that special holiday comes is not a wise one. Sudden intake of a single large amount of alcohol isn’t any better than frequent daily intake of large amounts. In fact, it could be worse because it may lead to the sudden exacerbation of the condition and possibly a hypertensive crisis.
Excessive consumption is not the only way by which alcohol is related to hypertension. Actually during the treatment of alcohol, blood pressure may significantly increase. This is because, during alcohol withdrawal while in the stage of detoxification, hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) as well as adrenal hormones are released due to increased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, blood volume is increased and blood vessels are narrowed leading to an overall increase in blood pressure. This increase is directly proportional to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.
However, this type of hypertension is usually transitory and resolves after treatment with no serious complications.