If you have high blood pressure, cognac can be especially dangerous. Doctors warn that alcohol raises blood pressure. This drink packs a high alcohol punch in each serving.
Cognac Spikes Blood Pressure
Cognac is a strong spirit (about 40% alcohol by volume). A standard serving of 1.5 ounces (about 44 ml) of cognac contains as much pure alcohol as a full glass of wine or a bottle of beer.
This high concentration of alcohol can cause a rapid increase in blood pressure. Having more than three drinks of alcohol in one sitting can make your blood pressure spike for a short time. For example, three shots of cognac in an evening count as binge drinking. This can push your blood pressure to unhealthy levels.
A recent analysis found the top blood pressure number (systolic) rose by about 1.25 mm Hg in people who averaged one drink daily. It climbed nearly 5 mm Hg in those who had around four drinks daily. That means even “moderate” cognac intake adds extra pressure inside your arteries each day.
Effect of Cognac: Not Only Blood Pressure
The alcohol in cognac does more than just raise your pressure. When you drink cognac, your nervous system releases stress hormones like adrenaline that make the heart beat faster and the blood vessels tighten. It also triggers other hormones that cause arteries to narrow. One cardiologist explains that alcohol raises blood pressure in two ways. It increases renin (a protein that tightens arteries) and it decreases nitric oxide (a compound that relaxes them).
In simple terms, cognac makes your arteries squeeze narrower while your heart pumps harder. This combination shoots your blood pressure upward. You might feel this as a flushed face, rapid pulse, or pounding heartbeat after heavy cognac drinking.
Vessel-Irritating Compounds in Cognac
Cognac is a dark distilled liquor aged in oak barrels. It is high in congeners (chemical byproducts that give it color and flavor). Congeners occur naturally during fermentation. Darker drinks like brandy contain higher levels of these congeners. These substances can irritate your blood vessels. Irritated blood vessels may become less flexible and narrow. This is dangerous when your blood pressure is already high. Cognac does contain some antioxidants from grapes and oak, but in much smaller amounts than red wine. The alcohol’s pressure-raising impact far outweighs any minor benefit from these compounds.
Mixing With Coffee Is Especially Dangerous
Regularly drinking cognac can turn temporary blood pressure spikes into chronic high blood pressure (hypertension). Over time, repeated alcohol strain on blood vessels causes damage that stiffens their walls and makes them less able to relax. The result is persistently higher blood pressure even when you are not drinking. Another hidden danger of cognac is interaction with medications. Alcohol can interfere with blood pressure drugs by reducing their effectiveness or causing side effects.
Cognac is also high in calories, so frequent drinking can lead to weight gain. In turn, gaining weight raises blood pressure. Mixing cognac with caffeine (like in coffee) is especially risky. Caffeine masks alcohol’s sedative effect, which can lead you to drink more. At the same time, both raise blood pressure and heart rate, putting extra strain on the heart.
Conclusion: Skip the Cognac for Your Heart’s Sake
Cognac may be a refined and enjoyable drink, but it is one of the worst choices for someone with high blood pressure. Its high alcohol content and irritant compounds act together to raise blood pressure quickly.
They also keep blood pressure elevated if you drink it often. This can lead to serious problems like a heart attack or stroke if unchecked. Health experts agree that the less alcohol, the better for blood pressure. In practical terms, that means skipping cognac or saving it for very rare occasions.
There are plenty of other ways to relax or celebrate that won’t send your blood pressure soaring. If you have hypertension, it’s wise to avoid cognac to protect your heart and blood vessels.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic Staff – Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure?
- Kiviniemi et al. – Effects of cognac on coronary circulation and antioxidant status
- Saunders, M. – Study Finds Just 1 Drink Each Day Can Raise Blood Pressure Over Time
- Mathis, S. (Cardiologist) – This Is the Worst Alcohol for High Blood Pressure, According to Cardiologists
- Queensland Health – 10 surprising effects of alcohol on your body you may not know | Queensland Health
- WebMD – 5 Foods High Tyramine and Why You Should Avoid Them
- DecorexPro – Cognac: composition, health benefits and harms, the difference from brandy
