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Alcohol dilates peripheral blood vessels, but has been known to actually. constrict some blood vessels in the brain, lowering the oxygen content. Alcohol dilates peripheral blood vessels, but has been known to actually  constrict some blood vessels in the brain, lowering the oxygen content.
How does alcohol affect my heart? There is a very clear link between regularly drinking too much alcohol and having high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure (hypertension) puts strain on the heart muscle and can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.