Alcohol .increase. or reduce blood pressure?

Both: Acute intoxication with alcohol could lower pressure, but chronic alcohol intake can raise your bp.

Depends: Too much will increase your blood pressure. A small to moderate amount might decrease it, but other factors (ex. Liver problems, dependence/addiction issues, cancer risk assoc with excess alcohol intake and even weight increase from calories in alcoholic beverages) should be factored into decision on if/how much alcohol to drink. Talk with your doctor about right amount for your health.