Can patients with hypertension drink alcohol?

Apr 17, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Hypertension is a vascular syndrome primarily characterized by elevated arterial blood pressure in the systemic circulation. Patients with hypertension should generally avoid alcohol consumption, as it may lead to sustained high blood pressure, acute gastric mucosal injury, alcoholic encephalopathy, hypotensive reactions, cerebral infarction, and other complications. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical care at a hospital and take antihypertensive medications such as enalapril maleate tablets under the guidance of a physician.

Hypertension is generally a vascular syndrome characterized primarily by elevated systemic arterial blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should usually avoid alcohol consumption, as it may lead to sustained high blood pressure, acute gastric mucosal injury, alcoholic encephalopathy, hypotensive reactions, cerebral infarction, and other complications.

1. Sustained elevation of blood pressure

After drinking, patients are susceptible to alcohol-induced stimulation, which can worsen atherosclerosis and further increase peripheral vascular resistance, resulting in persistently elevated blood pressure and making blood pressure control more difficult.

2. Acute gastric mucosal injury

Alcohol in beverages is irritating; after drinking, it easily irritates the gastric mucosa, causing inflammation, ulcers, or bleeding, thereby exacerbating the condition.

3. Alcoholic encephalopathy

Due to reduced ability to metabolize and eliminate alcohol, patients may experience central nervous system depression after drinking, leading to symptoms such as confusion and seizures.

4. Hypotensive reaction

Alcohol can dilate blood vessels, causing further drops in blood pressure and triggering hypotensive reactions, resulting in symptoms such as fainting, collapse, and dizziness.

5. Cerebral infarction

Patients with hypertension already have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol consumption increases the concentration of coagulation factors in the blood, raising the likelihood of thrombosis and potentially leading to cerebral infarction.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical care at a hospital and, under a doctor's guidance, take antihypertensive medications such as enalapril maleate tablets, perindopril tablets, or nifedipine sustained-release tablets (II). Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly monitoring blood pressure levels are recommended.

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