Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure and other metabolic conditions in several ways. For example, alcohol can affect calcium levels, cortisol levels, and baroreceptor sensitivity, all of which can lead to increases in blood pressure. To prevent various health complications, including high blood pressure, people should try to limit their alcohol consumption to one or two glasses infrequently. If a person has concerns that they or someone they know might have a dependency on alcohol, they should seek professional advice and support as soon as they can.