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. It is a stimulant - While considered a mild stimulant, caffeine can increase blood pressure and this can be bad news for those already suffering from the condition. Scientific studies have not yet clarified how caffeine ended up as one of the high blood pressure causes - there are conflicting studies on this matter. Some studies show a higher blood pressure level for those who regularly take caffeine while others show the development of tolerance among those who regularly take a caffeine fix. There is however a consensus on the diluting effect of taking caffeine (in coffee) with sugar, cream and other food.
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. It makes one more susceptible to Artherosclerosis - The American Society of Hypertension conducted a study in 2002 that discovered the relationship between caffeine and the hardening of the arteries. The study confirmed that those with high blood pressure and who have a regular intake of caffeine are more prone to Artherosclerosis. What is to be noted is that the study also stated that it is too early to make firm conclusions about this subject.
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.
Around 80% of people the world over still take caffeine daily, despite its reputation as a high blood pressure inducer. Caffeine can be taken in different forms, particularly in common beverages. Soft drinks, chocolate drinks, coffee and tea are some examples. Here are some foods with caffeine.
*plain black tea (around 70 mg), *8-ounces of brewed coffee (135 mg), *Pepsi 12-ounces can (37.5 mg), *a bar of chocolate, 1.45 ounces (27 mg), *pain relievers (60 mg), *one bottle of Red Bull (80 mg), *Midol (usually taken for menstruation pains) (60 mg).
Doctors recommend that one should limit caffeine intake to around two 12-ounce cups of coffee, even when one still does not have high blood pressure. Of course, with caffeine common in other food and drinks, you should also avoid these as well, as they can also increase your caffeine intake.
Suffice it to say, if you already have high blood pressure it would be safer to minimize if not totally stop your caffeine consumption. That is of course, if you are concerned about keeping your blood pressure at a safe level.
Further reading: Find out about ways to lower blood pressure as well as natural remedies for high blood pressure - just click the links for more details. This and other unique content 'high blood pressure' articles are available with free reprint rights.
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