Does Alcohol Increase Blood Pressure?

Overview

Around 1 in 4 Australians aged 18 and over exceed the national alcohol guidelines¹ at least once a month. Australians love a social drink, but few realise its effects on blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the country’s biggest silent killers. So, does alcohol increase blood pressure? Let’s explore the facts and what it means for your health.

Understanding blood pressure

Blood pressure indicates the force with which blood flows through your arteries when the heart contracts. It’s recorded as :

• Systolic (top number): pressure when your heart beats

• Diastolic (bottom number): pressure when your heart rests between beats

Here’s a quick guide:  

Category	Reading (mmHg)
Normal	120/80
High (hypertension)	140/90 or higher

  In Australia, many adults live with high blood pressure and don’t even know it—making it a silent killer. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attacks, stroke, kidney problems, and other serious conditions.

Alcohol and the cardiovascular system

Alcohol affects your body in several ways, and one of them is its known impact on blood pressure.

1. Immediate effects:

When you drink:

• Alcohol gets absorbed into your blood quickly, causing a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure.

• These spikes can be mild or more pronounced, depending on your intake and individual response.

2. Long-term impact:

If alcohol use becomes frequent or heavy:

• There is a strong connection between regular excessive drinking and long-term high blood pressure (hypertension).

• Over time, alcohol may damage your arteries, make them harder, and change the way your body regulates pressure.

• Alcohol raises heart risks by boosting triglycerides, reducing healthy HDL cholesterol, and adding extra weight, all of which can indirectly push up blood pressure.

3. Short-term spikes vs chronic hypertension:

• Excessive drinking may cause a temporary rise in blood pressure, even in people without hypertension.

• However, chronic or long-term heavy drinking is more likely to develop consistently elevated blood pressure over time.

In an Australian study² from the 1980s, researchers discovered that alcohol was linked to about 11% of high blood pressure cases in men, even after accounting for factors like weight and age. Among women, the link was weaker, probably due to lower average alcohol consumption in that group.

Australian alcohol guidelines

To promote safer drinking habits, Australia follows evidence-based alcohol guidelines³.

• No more than 10 standard drinks per week for healthy adults (men and women).

• No more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

What counts as a “standard drink” in Australia?

A standard drink contains 10 g of pure alcohol.

• 285 mL full-strength beer (4.8%) =1.1 standard drinks

• 375 mL mid-strength beer (5%) =1.5 standard drinks

• Wine, spirits, and other drinks can vary; always check the label

These guidelines are designed to keep you safe. Drinking less decreases the likelihood of alcohol-related diseases and injuries.

Who’s more at risk?

Some groups are more susceptible to alcohol’s effects on blood pressure. Here are a few:

• People with existing heart issues: Even mild drinking may increase blood pressure or interfere with medications.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: Alcohol-related risks vary in these populations, making culturally appropriate support vital.

• Older adults: As arteries become stiffer and body systems change with age, alcohol’s effect on blood pressure may increase.

• People with other risk factors: Additional risk factors, such as obesity, excessive salt consumption, poor nutrition, and stress, may amplify alcohol’s effects.

 Warning signs

High blood pressure is often called a hidden threat, as many people don’t feel symptoms. Here are a few warning signs:

• Headaches, usually in the mornings

• Dizziness

• Nosebleeds (less common)

• Palpitations or chest pain

However, many people have high BP without any warning signs.

Where to check your BP in Australia:

• GP clinics or medical centres

• Pharmacies (many offer free or low-cost BP checks)

Quick tip: If you drink regularly, get your BP checked at least once a year. If you’re over 40, consider getting it checked more often.

Tips for reducing alcohol-related BP risks

Here are some easy ways to reduce alcohol’s effect on blood pressure:

• Take alcohol-free days each week

• Choose lower-alcohol or light options

• Alternate water or soft drinks between alcoholic drinks

• Limit salt consumption, as too much salt may increase blood pressure

• Keep your weight in a healthy range

• Engage in regular physical activity to help keep blood pressure normal

• Manage stress and sleep well

• Seek medical advice regarding safe drinking if you have high blood pressure

If you struggle to reduce your drinking or need support, the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline⁴ are available to help. Additional support can be found through the Alcohol and Drug Foundation⁵.

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health can help you achieve your heart and health objectives. We offer:

• Blood pressure monitoring tools and tracking

• Customised lifestyle advice

• Quick access to GPs or telehealth consultations for tailored medical guidance.

Whether you want to reduce your drinking, understand your readings, or create a plan, Hola Health is here to help.

Conclusion

Alcohol can increase blood pressure—both immediately and especially, over time, with frequent or excessive drinking. Australians need to be aware of this, adhere to national guidelines, and make informed decisions regarding their drinking habits. Remember, less is better. If you drink, stay within safe limits, check your blood pressure routinely, and seek guidance or support when necessary. Stay informed, take care of yourself, and protect your heart; it matters.

FAQs

Can drinking alcohol cause high blood pressure?

Yes. Regular heavy drinking can increase the risk of persistent high blood pressure. Even occasional drinking can cause short-term spikes.

Does moderate drinking affect blood pressure?

It can. For some people, even moderate drinking may result in minor elevations. However, the impact is not the same for everyone.

How much alcohol is considered safe for blood pressure?

According to Australian guidelines, up to 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks in a day for healthy adults is considered low risk.

Are some types of alcohol safer than others for blood pressure?

Not really. The type (beer, wine, spirits) of alcohol matters less than drinking quantity and frequency, since all alcoholic drinks contain alcohol, which influences blood pressure.

How can I lower my blood pressure if I drink alcohol?

Reduce your alcohol consumption, take alcohol-free days, choose drinks with lower alcohol, drink plenty of water, eat less salt, engage in regular physical activity, and consult your GP or health service.