Alcoholism Support Group

Yes, there is a link between drinking and HBP. I've been on 3 Meds for about 8 years, lost 15 lbs, gave up soda and alcohol so I'm in the normal range now. I really need to limit my salt intake though.

Yes, and thats what finally gave me a wakeup call. I'm not overweight and I've always been in good physical shape, but my BP kept climbing because of alcohol intake. It will make a difference if you stop. It might take a few months to kick in, but I really think you'll see the difference. Beer was always my drink of choice as well.

sorry for my ignorance... what is HBP

High Blood Pressure

I am 47 BTW,.......have gotten up to a 12 pack a day on the weekends. I am totally functional and all I drink is light beer.

I think it has to do with fluid retention.
I could stand to lose 10 pounds, and it is all around my waistline of course.

I never feel drunk, and don't even get hangovers per se,.....not like I used to anyway with hard liquor. Might feel a bit "fuzzy" once in awhile.

I guess admitting that you are an alcoholic is not an easy thing to do. I need to do some soul-searching.

I have quit drinking beer several times for months at a time, but always end up going back to it.

In the end it doesn't matter what kind of alcohol you drink. If it's impacting your health then you need to address that part. HBP can lead to heart disease and stroke but I bet you know these things. My blood pressure did the same thing. 3 days after I stopped drinking it went down to 105/60. I was up into borderline and I too was a physically fit person who still functioned. It's best to leave it. Soul searching is a good thing so don't see it as a sign of weakness or something to be sad about. You can have a whole new you, that's exciting.

I can't add anything but I wanted to congratulate you for deciding to stop drinking! High five!

Yep, that was me. Functional and often times I didn't feel drunk. Seldem had a hangover either. For what it's worth, I think it's more than fluid retention. If you Google "Blood Pressure and Alcohol" you'll see there is a relationship there. Get a handle on this thing now, before it becomes a real problem.

Yes drinking can and does cause higher blood pressure. It is a major factor in heart disease.
It will also destroy your liver and trust me you don't want to do that. See my profile.
The fluid retention could be a result of liver disease. Have your doctor do blood work for liver disease and tell them about your drinking history how much, how often how many years no BS
The life you save may be your own.

Thanks again folks.

I had blood tests done less than a year ago.
I had one liver function that was barely over the normal reading.

Doc said it was not anything to be concerned about. He knows about my drinking.

ReedM,.... your profile is certainly a "wake-up" call! Hope you are doing better.