Alcohol Intake Heavy drinking may increase the risk for high blood pressure. Health experts advise not more than one alcoholic drink a day for women, and not more than two a day for men. Alcohol also contributes extra calories which may increase body weight. A high fat, high saturated fat intake has been linked to high blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. These contribute to both athero-sclerosis and hypertension.
Atherosclerosis narrows the blood vessels and thus decreases blood flow to the kidneys.
The kidneys try to increase blood pressure by expanding blood volume and constricting smaller blood vessels. However, the pressure increases not only in the kidneys, but all over the body. The resulting increase in blood pressure can further damage blood vessel walls and intensify plaque formation. A diet low in both fat and saturated fat, helps lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides, which may decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Reducing fat intake can also help with weight loss, which may lower blood pressure.