Caffeine is known to cause a sudden, yet short-lived, spike in blood pressure, even in those who don't have high blood pressure. The exact cause of this increase is still unknown. Studies have shown that coffee can raise blood pressure up to three hours after consumption. However, if you drink it regularly, this effect tends to diminish.
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it reduces the size of blood vessels and can thus increase blood pressure. It works by interacting with different receptors in the brain. Experts believe that other compounds in coffee, such as antioxidants, may have a protective effect on blood vessels. The same review suggested that the beneficial compounds of coffee, such as phenols, may also have a protective effect. It was also observed that genetic variation between individuals could affect how they metabolize caffeine.
As coffee contains many different compounds besides caffeine, other compounds could be responsible for its effects on blood pressure. Nevertheless, it was concluded that an intake of up to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day appears to be safe and may even protect against heart rhythm disorders. However, if there is a clear association between arrhythmia episodes and caffeine, it is advised to avoid drinking coffee. Research suggests that people with high blood pressure can drink coffee as long as they are cautious. Coffee may be suitable for people with high blood pressure and may even have beneficial effects. However, individuals should consider their tolerance to coffee and how their body reacts to caffeine.
Some people take dietary supplements to help lower high blood pressure. Do these supplements work and are they safe? Let's find out what the research says. Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee a day can increase blood pressure. Smoking does not directly cause high blood pressure, but it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke significantly. However, there are many other substances in coffee, such as polyphenols, soluble fiber and potassium, which could have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Other studies have suggested that there may be a more persistent relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of developing high blood pressure over time.
Science suggests that the physiological effects of drinking coffee may go beyond a small dose of wakefulness. Maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle will likely have more impact on blood pressure than drinking coffee. However, one might try switching to decaffeinated coffee to see if their blood pressure drops. A study found that drinking one cup of coffee a day led to small increases in blood pressure, but long-term coffee drinking did not significantly increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. If you need to lose some weight, it's worth remembering that just losing a few kilos will make a big difference in your blood pressure and overall health. If you're thinking about drinking coffee every day, it's important that you do it in moderation and find out what works best for you, your body and your lifestyle. A 2002 study indicated that while drinking one cup of coffee a day may slightly increase blood pressure, it is not likely to increase the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Previous research has shown that coffee temporarily increases blood pressure immediately after consumption, but the body quickly adapts to this effect. The study suggested that further research was needed to determine if non-coffee drinkers have a lower or higher risk of hypertension than occasional coffee drinkers (1 to 2 cups per day). Since coffee is a drink consumed daily and it raises blood pressure in the short term, the question of whether there are any long-term effects from drinking coffee is valid.
