Even if you do not have high blood pressure, caffeine may induce a brief but dramatic spike in your blood pressure. It is unknown what causes this increase in blood pressure. Caffeine’s effect on blood pressure varies from people to people.
Caffeine, according to some studies, may disrupt the hormone that helps maintain your arteries wide open. Others believe that caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more adrenaline, which raises your blood pressure.
Is coffee harmful to people who have high blood pressure? A new look
The majority of physicians advise people not to drink coffee (and other caffeine-containing beverages) before having their blood pressure measured. It’s common wisdom based on the idea that caffeine raises blood pressure sufficiently to interfere with precise measurement.
However, medical research has been contradictory; some studies show a link between coffee consumption and hypertension, while others don’t and a 1987 Italian study suggests that drinking coffee may even help to lower blood pressure.
After considering these opposing viewpoints, researchers from Switzerland and America decided to conduct extensive investigations on 15 participants. There were no subjects with high blood pressures or hypertensive parents.
Limit your alcohol consumption
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis might elevate your blood pressure gradually. The greatest strategy to lower your chances of having high blood pressure is to stay under the recommended levels:
- Men and women are urged not to drink over fourteen units per week on a regular basis;
- Spread your booze over a minimum of three days if you drink up to 14 units per week;
Learn about alcoholic units and how to reduce them.How much caffeine is too much?
In general, consuming less than six glasses of espresso a day ought to be considered safe. The FDA recommends not more than 400 milligrammes of caffeine per day, which is around four to five cups of coffee.
A single investigation looked at nearly 8,000 coffee drinkers and found that strong coffee consumption (more than 3 cups per day) did not increase the risk for elevated blood pressure or artery stiffness.
Is caffeine dangerous for me when I have high blood pressure?
If your doctor was diagnosed you with hypertension, you may be wondering if it’s okay to take caffeine. While you should consult your doctor first, drinking between one and two cups (8 oz to 16 oz) or coffee or tea per day is generally regarded safe, even if you’re suffering from hypertension.
If your healthcare practitioner advises that you regularly track your cardiovascular health at home, take readings either before or 6 hours after the final sip of coffee. This manner, you can record your regular blood pressure rather than a caffeine-induced rise.
When should you quit consuming caffeine?
If you have any of these signs, it may be time to forgo the morning coffee—and you may also want to skip your lunchtime cup:
If you’re pregnant, attempting to get pregnant, or using medications that may interfere with caffeine (such as certain antibiotics, antidepressant medications or asthma treatments), it’s advised to limit or avoid energy drinks, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages.
Potential Long-Term Effects
Although coffee may temporarily raise your blood pressure after consuming it, the effect does not appear to last long.
Current evidence indicates that regular coffee consumption is not likely to have a substantial influence on blood pressure and overall risk of coronary artery disease in those with high blood pressure.
Indeed, coffee may have certain health benefits.
Drinking 3-5 cups of java daily has been associated to a 15% decrease in risk of coronary artery disease and a lower chance of premature mortality in otherwise healthy persons, according to study. Coffee includes a variety of bioactive chemicals that have significant antioxidant properties and may help to minimise oxidative stress within your body.
Caffeine consumption should be reduced
In excess of 4 cups of coffee per day may raise your blood pressure. Consider cutting back if you enjoy coffee, tea, or other caffeine-rich beverages such as cola and certain energy drinks. Tea and coffee are acceptable as part of a healthy diet, but they should not be your primary or only drinkable fluid.
Conclusion
A cup or three (or even five) of one’s favourite caffeinated beverage with no additional sugar or cream will not have long-term consequences on your heart. On the contrary, frequent coffee or tea drinking may bring certain health benefits. If you have elevated blood pressure, talk to your doctor about what you should do for your heart. While you won’t have to stop drinking coffee, you might want to make other dietary and lifestyle adjustments to help lower the level of your blood pressure.