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Alcohol & Diastolic Blood Pressure

Regular alcohol consumption above moderate levels increases diastolic blood pressure. If a person's diastolic pressure is higher than levels considered healthy, he can be at risk for serious health complications. Refraining from excessive alcohol consumption can reduce this risk. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your blood pressure.

  1. Definition

    • According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, diastolic blood pressure is the force of the blood in your arteries when the heart relaxes after it contracts. When your blood pressure is taken, this is the number that is on the bottom of the measurement. Normal diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mmHg is considered prehypertension. A diastolic reading of 90 to 99 mmHg is considered stage 1 high blood pressure, and 100 mmHG is considered stage 2 high blood pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, a diastolic pressure less than 60 mmHg is considered lower than normal.

    Dangers

    • The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute points out that high diastolic blood pressure is dangerous for a number of reasons. A higher number means that the individual is at a greater risk for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute, any reading above 80 indicates an increased level of risk for these diseases. As the number goes up, so does the level of risk.

    Effects of Alcohol

    • A study conducted by the University of Tampere Medical School in Finland found a link between drinking levels and elevated diastolic blood pressure. The study tracked a group of women, and found that the highest diastolic blood pressure rates were in the subjects considered alcoholics. The next highest rates were found in heavy drinkers, and the lowest rates in the study were found in those who abstained from alcohol completely.

    Safe Drinking

    • To prevent a raise in diastolic blood pressure, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute counsels that men should restrict themselves to two drinks a day, and women should restrict themselves to one drink. A drink is defined as 12 oz. of beer, 5 oz. of wine or 1 1/2 oz. of an 80-proof spirit. Regularly consuming more than this can put the drinker at risk for elevated blood pressure.

    Medical Help

    • If you are concerned about your blood pressure or alcohol's effects on your circulatory system, be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor on your next visit. She will be able to further explain the link between alcohol and high blood pressure. If you have a problem with alcohol addiction, your doctor will be able to help develop a strategy to combat this disease.

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