Just a single alcoholic drink a day can raise blood pressure.
A tiny amount of boozing can raise blood pressure
Researchers have advised people to avoid booze altogether as drinking even small quantities can raise blood pressure.
The new study - published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension - saw experts examining data from seven international studies on drinking and high blood pressure involving over 19,000 people.
As expected, the largest increases were seen in heavy drinkers but the team was "surprised" to find that drinking at low levels had an impact as well.
Senior study author Professor Marco Vinceti, of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, said: "We found no beneficial effects in adults who drank a low level of alcohol compared to those who did not drink alcohol.
"We were somewhat surprised to see that consuming an already-low level of alcohol was also linked to higher blood pressure changes over time compared to no consumption - although far less than the blood pressure increase seen in heavy drinkers.
"Limiting alcohol intake is advised, and avoiding it is even better."