Alcohol and Blood
Pressure
When it comes to alcohol and blood pressure, too much
alcohol is not a good thing. Experts recommend that men should limit their
alcohol intake to two drinks each day and women limit their intake to one drink
each day. It does not take much alcohol to interfere with your blood pressure,
so it is critical that you know the facts, especially if you have high blood
pressure already, or are at risk for it. What Constitutes a "Drink"?
A lot of bars and restaurants actually serve cocktails in portions much larger
than what experts consider to be a "drink". When you are having a
beer, a single serving is just 12 ounces.
When you are having a glass of wine, a single serving is
just five ounces. When you are having an 80-proof distilled spirit, a single
serving is 1.5 ounces. An example of an 80-proof distilled spirit would be
something like a rum and coke. If someone is a heavy drinker and they take
their alcohol intake back to a more moderate level, they can lower their top
number (systolic blood pressure number) by an average of two to four
millimeters of mercury. For example, if their top number was 140, they can
bring it down to 136.
In this same scenario, they can bring their bottom number
(diastolic blood pressure number) down by an average of one to two millimeters
of mercury.
Why You Should be Concerned? : As many as 25 percent of the
adult population without high blood pressure is pre-hypertensive, according to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke and heart attack are
possible complications of high blood pressure, especially when it goes
uncontrolled. Heart failure, vision problems and aneurysm are also possible.
A big problem with high blood pressure is that the majority
of people with it have no idea that they have it. This is because it often
causes no symptoms, even when it approaches dangerously high levels. When
symptoms do occur, they are often vague and not incredibly alarming, such as
some dizziness and dull headaches. Some people also report more frequent
nosebleeds.
As you can see, these symptoms can occur with dozens of other
issues, many of which warrant no medical attention. So, if you consume alcohol,
definitely keep an eye on your blood pressure. In fact, regardless, keep an eye
on your blood pressure. Getting it checked is painless and literally takes less
than one minute. It could very well save your life.
By...Belinda Yeboah
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