Drinking

Drinking

Down too many beers, and you'll push up your blood pressure. Going above and beyond moderation in your alcohol intake not only can contribute to hypertension but can interfere with efforts to lower blood pressure. Drinking is a risk factor for stroke, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Though moderate drinking appears to have some protective effect against heart disease, do keep it moderate. This means no more than 1 ounce of alcohol per day for man, the amount in 24 ounces of beer, 10 ounces of wine, or one mixed drink. Halve that for women, due to lower body weight and slower alcohol metabolism.