Mixing High Blood Pressure and Caffeine - A Definite No-no

By: Robert L Brown

Craving for your daily caffeine fix? Well, if you have high blood pressure, think again before you help yourself to a cup of freshly brewed coffee. This article gives you four reasons why caffeine and high blood pressure simply won't mix:

1. Caffeine is a stimulant - Caffeine is believed to result in an increase in blood pressure, even though it is a mild stimulant. For some, this does not pose any health threats but for others who already have high blood pressure, it may spell disaster. Studies have not yet made clear what role caffeine plays in raising blood pressure levels. Some studies show that those who have regular caffeine intake have higher blood pressure levels. Other studies show that those who have a regular caffeine intake develop a tolerance for caffeine. However, these studies are in agreement with the fact that sugar, cream and other food have a mitigating effect on caffeine.

2. Caffeine can raise blood pressure levels quickly - Studies show an immediate rise in blood pressure following caffeine intake. This effect is temporary, especially among those who do not have an intake of caffeine regularly. Doctors believe that this rise in blood pressure levels is linked to caffeine's ability to block the hormone adenosine from widening the artery. Constricted arteries result in a rise in blood pressure levels. Another theory is that caffeine releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can also increase blood pressure. It is important to note that studies have yet to discover the long term effect of caffeine on one's blood pressure levels.

3. Caffeine can increase the risk for Artherosclerosis - Artherosclerosis (or the hardening of the arteries) has been linked to the intake of caffeine by those with high blood pressure. A study conducted in 2002 by the American Society of Hypertension has confirmed this link. People who have high blood pressure and who regularly take caffeine are more susceptible to Artherosclerosis. What is to be noted is that the study also stated that at this point, having definitive conclusions about the matter is still premature.

4. It can cause heart problems - The danger of high blood pressure is related to the fact that it is associated with chronic heart problems. Caffeine compounds this because drinking more than four cups of coffee can increase the chance of developing heart problems.

Even though caffeine has been blamed as one of the culprits behind high blood pressure almost 80% of people worldwide take it in everyday in different forms. It may be difficult to avoid caffeine because it is present in common beverages like chocolate drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Here is a quick guide to the different foods you might find it in as well as the amount of caffeine contained:

*brewed coffee, 8-ounces - 135 mg, *12-ounce Pepsi - 37.5 mg, *black tea, plain - around 70 mg, *one chocolate bar, 1.45 ounces - 27 mg, *Midol (taken for menstruation pains) and other pain relievers - 60 mg, a bottle of Red Bull - 80 mg.

Doctors have advised even those not suffering from high blood pressure to limit their caffeine intake to about two 12-ounce cups of coffee. But you should also watch out for other beverages that contain caffeine like tea or soft drinks as they can increase the amount of caffeine taken on a daily basis.

As much as possible, try to minimize, if not totally avoid, any caffeine intake, particularly if you already have high blood pressure. This way, you help avoid any further increases in your blood pressure.

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