Can’t get through the morning without a mug or two of coffee? While a caffeine fix can help to wake you up and prepare you for the day ahead, it could also be putting you at risk of developing high blood pressure.
Research has linked caffeine intake and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. So, how does coffee cause high blood pressure and what do you need to know?
The link between coffee and hypertension
New research published within the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has revealed a worrying link between coffee and hypertension. For a short period of time after drinking caffeine, blood pressure experiences a dramatic increase.
Those who consume from 200mg to 300mg of caffeine could see their blood pressure rise by 8.1mm Hg according to the study. It can also raise your diastolic blood pressure by as much as 5.7 mm HG – all within one hour of consuming caffeine.
The increased blood pressure lasts for around three hours, and it is thought to be down to adrenal secretion. When your adrenaline surges, the heart beats faster at the same time as the blood vessels narrow. This increases the pressure in the veins, leading to high blood pressure.
Regular consumption of coffee may decrease the risk
One interesting finding of the latest research is that those who regularly drink coffee may develop a caffeine tolerance. This means it will reduce the hypertensive effects of the substance. Rather than experiencing a dramatic rise in blood pressure, the increase will be small to moderate.
While the study did show a clear link between coffee and high blood pressure, it didn’t show an increase in the risk of heart disease.
Everybody is different, and the effects of caffeine will vary from person to person. In some studies, it has actually shown to have a positive effect on our health. It contains a high level of bioactive compounds, which are renowned for their antioxidant properties.
Vitamin B, Magnesium, and Potassium are all beneficial compounds found in caffeine. Many experts argue that the benefits of drinking coffee outweigh the potential risks.
Seeking treatment for high blood pressure
While coffee is unlikely to lead to heart problems, it can cause high blood pressure. Undergoing an assessment with a specialist will help to determine whether caffeine could be contributing towards hypertension.
Whether or not it is the cause, seeking treatment for high blood pressure is crucial. Over time if it isn’t controlled, hypertension can lead to significant heart troubles.
If you are worried you may have high blood pressure, book an appointment with Dr Konrad Grosser. He will carry out a full heart screening check, including a blood pressure test and will determine what risk it poses to your health. He will advise the best course of action to treat it.
