Reducing alcohol intake is one of the most common reversible causes of hypertension in men over 50

Alcohol raises blood pressure through several mechanisms, alcohol activates the sympathetic nervous system. This keeps your body in fight or flight state increasing heart rate. Alcohol also raises cortisol and adrenaline both of which raise BP. The UK guidelines for alcohol consumption is 14 units per week, that is only a pint of beer per day or a glass of wine per day. When you reduce weekly units from say 14-30 units to say 2-5 units, you will remove a major driver of Hypertension.

Salt intake

Salt is another major player in raising your BP, a couple of bags of crisps can easily raise your BP for 24-48hrs. Ensure you hydrate the next day 2-3 ltrs of water per day is recommended.

What might happen if you reduce your alcohol and salt intake

• Lower risk of a stroke
• Lower risk of a heart attack
• Lower risk of Kidnet disease
• Better long term heart health

Lifestyle changes

Doctors often say lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption to 2 units per week and reducing salt intake can be as powerful as medication for some people. Keep monitoring your BP on a daily basis and always consult with your Doctor if you are concerned about your BP readings.