Greetings!

I've read that alcohol may have a benefit on the heart because it thins the blood and/or reduces blood volume. I recently (2 weeks ago) stopped my weekend drinking activity in an attempt to lose some weight. Now I'm noticing that my (always) stubborn diastolic pressure is creeping back up to the high 80's. Systolic has risen a teeny bit, but is mostly between 110 and 120. I have *never* been able to get satisfactory diastolic pressure (under 80), but it was stable while I was drinking.

So does this mean I have to choose between my heart and my thighs??? :eek:

I'm currently taking Hyzaar at the highest dose.

TIA

I don't touch alcohol anymore. As soon as I get even a little bit tipsy (and I see no point in drinking alcohol except to get a little drunk- certainly not for the taste) I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I haven't dared take my bp during one of those times but I know it would be sky-high.

So I just don't drink at all anymore- easy to do once you get used to it.

A very little alcohol--a glass of wine, a beer, does seem to lower my bp a bit, mainly, I think by reducing anxiety, chilling you out. More than that will probably raise it,
and certainly not lower it.

Is there any chance that you have post-prandial hypotension? That's when a person's BP drops considerably after a meal, often by 20 points systolic or more. PPH rarely affects younger people, but affects something like one-third of the elderly, with (I presume) a gradual shift between those ages. Supposedly it is triggered mostly by glucose, though I've noticed it happening with a meal that wasn't particularly high in glucose, as well. I would imagine that anyone who had PPD might possibly get a drop in BP after consuming an alcoholic drink, depending upon the drink and the quantity. I, for example, experience my BP staying the same or dropping slightly if I consume a single margarita. But if I consume a Scotch and water, my BP rises, often considerably. I suspect the difference is due to the sugars in the margarita. Do you eat any food with the alcoholic drink? If so and you have PPH, the drop in BP could be more from the food than from the drink.

MY BP usually rises a teeny bit after eating. The change in my diastolic pressure came over time. I don't know what to attribute that to.

There is controversy about the effects of alcohol on BP. If anyone ever hears/reads anything about alcohol and blood-thinning, let me know.

Thanks to all who replied.

Too much alcohol has a rebound effect and will raise blood pressure. I have read that moderate drinking is ok for people with hypertension. My doctor said no more than two drinks at one sitting and not to drink every day. I have a couple of glasses of red wine 3 or 4 times a week. I have checked my bp after drinking and it is lower probably because I am relaxed. My doctor said wine may have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. He said to stay away from hard liquor...