Alcohol consumption is a common practice among young people. It is estimated that about 80% of young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 drink alcohol regularly in the United States.

Although moderate alcohol consumption can have some potential health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to negative health outcomes. One of the potential negative outcomes of alcohol consumption is high blood pressure.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries as it flows through them. It is measured using two numbers; systolic and diastolic pressure.

The systolic pressure is the top number, which occurs when the heart beats and pumps blood. The diastolic pressure is the bottom number, which occurs when the heart is resting between beats.

The Relationship Between Alcohol and Blood Pressure

Research has shown that alcohol consumption has a significant effect on blood pressure levels. The exact mechanism by which alcohol affects blood pressure is not fully understood.

However, it is suggested that alcohol interferes with the normal functions of the endocrine system, causing an increase in blood pressure. The amount of alcohol consumed and the frequency of consumption is crucial in determining the effects of alcohol on blood pressure.

Impacts of Heavy Drinking on Blood Pressure

Heavy drinking is the primary cause of high blood pressure among young adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heavy drinking is defined as consuming eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men. High blood pressure caused by heavy drinking is known as secondary hypertension, and it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

Effect of Binge-Drinking on Blood Pressure

Binge-drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women within two hours. Binge-drinking can cause a sudden and significant rise in blood pressure in young adults.

According to a study published in the Journal of American College Health, binge-drinking can cause an increase of up to 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure among young adults. Binge-drinking can also cause damage to blood vessels, leading to long-term high blood pressure.

Alcohol and Medications Interaction

Young adults may be taking medications for underlying health issues, and alcohol can interact with these medications, leading to an increase in blood pressure.

For example, alcohol consumption while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Other medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and asthma medications, can also interaction with alcohol, leading to an increase in blood pressure.

Prevention

The best way to prevent high blood pressure caused by alcohol is to reduce or eliminate drinking. The CDC recommends moderate drinking, which is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

However, young people should limit their drinking to avoid negative outcomes, including high blood pressure. Young adults should also avoid binge-drinking and should not mix alcohol with medications and other substances.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption can have a significant effect on young people’s blood pressure. Heavy and binge-drinking can cause a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure and can lead to serious health problems.

Young people should limit their drinking to avoid high blood pressure and should avoid mixing alcohol with medications and other substances. The best way to prevent high blood pressure caused by alcohol is to reduce or eliminate drinking.