Alcohol consumption poses a serious risk to all of the body's systems; however, its impact on the body's ability to regulate blood pressure is profound.  Excessive alcohol consumption increases blood pressure in two ways.

Blood pressure increases as a physiological response to alcohol.  The chemical reaction can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels, making drinkers vulnerable to blood pressure related ailments.

The calories consumed in alcoholic beverages can lead to weight gain.  Weight gain also contributes to blood pressure elevation. 

Blood pressure elevation puts people at risk for poor circulation, stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure.  It is often considered the "silent killer."  The American Heart Organization stated that up to one in three adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure.  Due to a lack of symptoms, a third of these people are unaware of their condition all together.

Avoiding alcohol or reducing consumption to a moderate level can drastically reduce the chance of a blood pressure increase.  Moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered less than two drink a day for people under 65 and no more than one drink a day for people over 65.