Caffeine: How Does it Affect Blood Pressure?

A dangerous condition

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be a dangerous condition if left unmonitored. It can cause a heart attack or stroke by keeping the heart rate constantly elevated. Physical inactivity, being overweight, and poor dietary habits all increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure by putting unnecessary strain on the heart. Fortunately, these habits are manageable.

Just how dangerous is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can adversely affect our hearts, kidneys, and eyes. It can create abnormal heart rhythms, and can induce heart attacks and strokes. It can be fatal.

Caffeine and blood pressure

Although it is not known why, the stimulant caffeine can elevate blood pressure to harmful levels, particularly if a daily dosage exceeds recommendations. A limit of two cups of coffee, (or caffeinated sodas or tea) equaling about 24 ounces per day, is recommended. Additionally, if blood pressure medication is being taken, caffeine must be moderated or even eliminated. One theory linking caffeine to high blood pressure is its ability to cause blood vessels to constrict by blocking certain hormones. The adrenal gland may also be triggered by caffeine, causing it to produce cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol regulates the body's blood pressure, and manages stress; adrenaline naturally raises the body's heart rate in preparation for emergencies. Caffeine may have the effect of the overstimulation of these hormones.

Sensitivity

Those with sensitivity to caffeine may experience a sudden climb in their blood pressure almost immediately. If youre not sure if you have a sensitivity, check your pulse within a half hour of consuming caffeine.

How to cut back on caffeine

Complete withdrawal or going cold turkey may not be the most desirable option, physically or mentally. Day time drowsiness can trigger sleep difficulties; shakiness, nausea and irritability may also occur. Try these tips to get your caffeine intake down to a reasonable level:

• During your work break, try some stretches or a walk around the block instead of opening a new can of soda, or refilling your coffee or tea mug.
• In the morning, make stretching or light aerobic activity the first thing you do. Do it in your pajamas if need be. This may deter you from habitually heading straight for the coffee pot.
• Replace caffeinated sodas with seltzer water and coffee or tea with herbal teas. There are many kinds of herbal teas that taste good!
• Make eating a priority in the morning instead of just grabbing a cup of coffee. Eating low-fat food helps wake you up, and gives you much needed energy to make it to lunch.
• Try to replace chocolate goodies with naturally sweetened fruit; you may be surprised how sweet and satisfying fresh fruit can be.
• Check the label! A lot of things we eat, or medicines we take, including diet pills, contain high doses of caffeine.

In conclusion

How does caffeine affect high blood pressure? Too much caffeine can have adverse effects on your blood pressure, contributing to serious heart conditions which can be fatal if left unmonitored. Check with your doctor if you have questions regarding caffeine and high blood pressure.

Sources:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=disease&dbid=15

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blood-pressure/AN00792

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/news/20020801/is-caffeine-bad-for-your-heart

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