High blood pressure: This alcoholic drink could help lower readings – what is it?

High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. Eventually, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart failure. High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms. If you have high blood pressure, this higher pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Over time, this extra strain increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure can also cause heart and kidney disease, and is closely linked to some forms of dementia.

It’s a common assumption that red wine may be good for the heart because it contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, which is primarily found in the skin of grapes but also peanuts and blueberries

The American Heart Association

In addition to blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes, red wine may be an appropriate supplement to improving blood pressure.

Studies have shown that drinking red wine in moderation increases HDL known an good cholesterol.

It also protects against artery damage, which may lower blood pressure and help prevent heart disease.

The American Heart Association said: “It’s a common assumption that red wine may be good for the heart because it contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, which is primarily found in the skin of grapes but also peanuts and blueberries.”

Red wine has been proven to reduce blood clots according to the American Heart Association.

Blood clots form when platelets clump together in the blood.

Excessive blood-clot formation in the arteries can worsen plaques and increase blood pressure.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red wine that may have anti-clotting properties, thus reducing the risk for developing a blood clot and leading to a positive effect on blood pressure.

In the study, mice with induced high blood pressure 320mg/kg were fed resveratrol for 15 days.

Compared with mice eating a normal diet, the blood pressure of mice fed resveratrol in high quantities experienced a considerable drop in their blood pressure.

The finding offers hope that resveratrol could someday play a role in developing a new class of high blood pressure drugs.

Other research indicates that red wine can boost a range of health factors.

A serving of red wine at night can help a person to relax and relieve stress because it slows down activity in the nervous system. 

Stress can raise blood pressure and increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Men should not consume more than two alcoholic drinks per day and women should limit alcohol intake to one drink per day, according to Livestrong.

If you don’t already drink alcohol, you shouldn’t start, according to the American Heart Association.

To get the possible health benefits from red wine, drink in moderation and always consult your GP before embarking on new methods to lowering blood pressure readings.

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