How Alcohol Affects Blood PressureQuitting alcohol can help you better manage your blood pressure. This is because alcohol consumption can:Increase blood pressure temporarily : Alcohol can interfere with the brain receptors that help regulate blood pressure. Increase the risk of chronic (long-term) hypertension (high blood pressure) : Regularly drinking alcohol can prevent receptors in the brain from functioning properly, which stops the body from responding to changes in blood pressure. : Regularly drinking alcohol can prevent receptors in the brain from functioning properly, which stops the body from responding to changes in blood pressure. High blood pressure rarely has symptoms, but if left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.