Salt and alcohol linked to strokes at holiday gatheringsBy Jake Chung / Staff writer, with CNADoctors on Thursday warned that the combination of sodium, alcohol and fluctuations of sympathetic nerves from social interaction could cause a cerebral hemorrhage and urged people to drink rationally during Lunar New Year gatherings. However, a reaction in blood pressure to high-sodium soups or sauces can be instantaneous, and typically reaches an apex in a matter of hours, Chiang said. People think that consuming alcohol can reduce blood pressure, but in fact, the body has a two-stage reaction, he said. Blood pressure is more likely to increase under these conditions, in addition to consuming high-sodium meals and sleeping less, Chiang said. Many people who experience accidents do not know they have hypertension or have a hemangioma, and the first time they are made aware of such conditions is during company events or social gatherings, Chiang said.

Source: Taipei Times February 06, 2026 17:12 UTC