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Tag: cardiovascular effects of alcohol

Can Alcohol Raise Blood Pressure? What to Know About Drinking and Cardiovascular Risk

The intricate relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health has long fascinated both the medical community and the public. As global rates of hypertension continue to rise, so too does interest in understanding modifiable lifestyle factors that can influence blood pressure regulation. Among the most debated of these is alcohol. Can alcohol raise blood pressure? The answer is far from simple. While moderate drinking has been associated with certain protective cardiovascular effects in specific populations, the overall picture becomes far more concerning when the frequency, quantity, and type of alcohol consumed are taken into account. For individuals with existing hypertension, or those at risk of developing it, understanding how alcohol affects blood pressure is not just useful—it’s potentially lifesaving.