Quitting Beer: Blood Pressure Friend Or Foe?

Drinking alcohol can affect blood pressure in more than one way. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, the brain and nervous system, calcium levels, cortisol, and baroreceptors all play a role in the effect of alcohol on blood pressure.

Drinking alcohol regularly and in high amounts can lead to serious heart-related issues, such as high blood pressure. Binge drinking can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure, and long-term, chronic high blood pressure can develop.

According to the American Heart Association, women should stick to no more than one drink per day, and men should stick to no more than two drinks per day. This guideline also applies if you have high blood pressure.

If you already have high blood pressure, using alcohol regularly may make your condition worse, and could also interact with your high blood pressure medications.

Alcohol and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Alcohol is known to stimulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which is a critical regulator of blood volume, electrolyte balance, and systemic vascular resistance. RAAS is responsible for maintaining the balance of fluid and electrolytes. An increase in plasma renin results in increased production of angiotensin I (AI), which is converted to angiotensin II (AII) by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The hormone AII is a potent vasoconstrictor that stimulates aldosterone and vasopressin secretion from the adrenal gland, promoting sodium and water retention.

Several studies have shown that alcohol stimulates the release of renin. One study found that alcohol intake may be self-regulating because of its ability to elevate the RAAS. Another study found that acute alcohol consumption affects the RAAS by increasing plasma renin activity.

The RAAS has a significant role in the pathophysiological conditions of hypertension, heart failure, other cardiovascular diseases, and renal diseases. Blockade of the overactivation of RAAS by various medications has been shown to improve outcomes in various cardiovascular and renal diseases.

Alcohol and blood calcium levels

Alcohol can affect calcium absorption and bone strength. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones, as well as for muscle and nerve functioning. Calcium levels in the blood do not normally fluctuate but remain within a narrow range. Calcium is stored in the bones and teeth; when calcium levels in the blood fall, more calcium is removed from the bones. Alcohol intake can impact the amount of calcium absorbed and stored in the bones.

Heavy chronic alcohol intake affects calcium levels in several ways. It's not the alcohol per se but the side effects of alcoholism that appear to impact calcium levels. A damaged liver doesn't produce the enzyme needed to convert vitamin D to its active form, and vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. Many heavy drinkers don't absorb fat well, and fat is necessary for calcium and vitamin D absorption as well.

Alcohol and cortisol levels

Alcohol consumption can increase cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is the body's primary glucocorticoid. It is part of the body's stress response system and helps the body cope with stressful experiences.

Chronic alcohol use can lead to an overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a neuroendocrine mechanism that helps mediate the impact of stressors on the body. The HPA axis is activated in response to stress, resulting in the secretion of stress hormones, including cortisol.

Research has shown that alcohol consumption can increase cortisol levels, not only while the person is intoxicated but also when they are withdrawing from the effects of intoxication. This increase in cortisol levels can have serious effects on both mental and physical health.

Alcohol Increases Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is the body's primary glucocorticoid. It is part of the body's stress response system and helps the body cope with stressful experiences.

Alcohol and the HPA Axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a neuroendocrine mechanism that helps mediate the impact stressors have on the body. It does this by regulating systems such as the autonomic nervous system, immune response, metabolism, and other physiological processes.

Alcohol Increases Cortisol

Research has found that alcohol consumption also increases the body's production of cortisol, not only while the person is intoxicated but also when the individual is withdrawing from the effects of intoxication.

Alcohol Withdrawal Increases Cortisol

Cortisol also plays an important role in regulating the body's immune, reward, cognition, and emotion systems, as well as cause sleep disruption.

Alcohol Use Affects the HPA Axis

Consuming alcohol increases activity in the HPA axis, resulting in increased cortisol production. This increase in cortisol also triggers the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with feelings of pleasure.

Chronic Alcohol Consumption and Cortisol

Chronic alcohol use can have many effects on a person's system, including cognition, emotion, reward, immune function, and energy utilization. It can also produce an increase in cortisol levels, which is the hormone the body releases in response to stress.

Effects of High Cortisol Caused by Alcohol Use

Long-term alcohol use can have serious effects on mental and physical health. Its impact on the stress response and increased cortisol levels can result in numerous health consequences, including:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Weight gain
• Cardiovascular disease
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Poor immunity
• Fatigue
• Fertility problems

Alcohol and baroreceptor sensitivity

Alcohol has been shown to reduce baroreceptor sensitivity. Baroreceptors are stretch receptors located on the arch of the aorta and the carotid sinus. They can detect changes in blood pressure and can maintain blood pressure by controlling heart rate, contractility, and peripheral resistance.

Acute alcohol administration has been found to stimulate baroreceptor discharge in dogs. In a study on healthy subjects and moderate and heavy drinkers with hypertension, alcohol was found to reduce baroreflex sensitivity. Another study found that acute alcohol administration significantly decreased the pressure threshold and increased the peak discharge rate.

These findings suggest that alcohol has an inhibitory effect on baroreceptor sensitivity, which is a key factor in regulating blood pressure.

Alcohol and blood pressure medications

Drinking alcohol while taking blood pressure medication can put you at risk of dizziness, fainting, and heart rhythm problems. It can also excessively lower your blood pressure, leading to dizziness and rapid heartbeat, and raising your risk of falls or of passing out.

Healthcare professionals recommend avoiding alcohol while taking blood pressure medications.

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