Hi Jack,
I also had high blood pressure and high cholesterol caused by excessive drinking, adnd was taking pills for both of them for the past few years. I also had 2 occurrences of atrial fibrillation over the past 2 years, where my heart rhythm went out of whack. This too was caused by excessive alcohol use.
Well, I quit drinking on 8/1/12 (today is my Sober day #101!!!). I had a checkup with my doctor this week, and my cholesterol and blood pressure are WAY DOWN! He took me OFF the cholesterol med immediately, and cut my blood pressure med in half. We'll take another look in 6 months, and if all is well then, we'll stop the blood pressure med also!
So, the point is, your health will improve drastically once you quit drinking completely. I wish you the best!
Johnny