Caffeine is one of the best-loved natural stimulants in the world. It is commonly found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, as well as some sodas and energy drinks. Caffeine may cause a short-term increase in blood pressure (BP) immediately after the following intake and for a short period thereafter.
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and the brain. It prevents drowsiness by blocking adenosine receptors and increases the sense of pleasure, attentiveness, energy, and effectiveness. Blocking adenosine receptors and increasing certain neurotransmitters also contribute to the short-term increase in blood pressure that may occur after consuming caffeine.
Caffeine tolerance can be built up through regular caffeine consumption, which can reduce the effect caffeine has on your blood pressure. Caffeine, on the other hand, may still raise blood pressure in some people, even after long-term use.
What effect does caffeine have on blood pressure?
However, if you don't have high blood pressure, caffeine can cause a brief but dramatic increase in your blood pressure. This rise in blood pressure has no known cause. Caffeine has a variable influence on blood pressure.
Caffeine is thought to block a hormone that helps keep your arteries wide open.
Some people who regularly consume caffeinated beverages have a higher average blood pressure than those who do not. Others who consume caffeinated beverages regularly develop a caffeine tolerance. Caffeine, as a result, has no long-term effect on their blood pressure.
Blood Pressure when excessive consumption of caffeine
- Caffeine does not appear to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in the majority of people.
- Since high blood pressure can damage arteries over time, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain, it is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
- Caffeine's effect on blood pressure appears to be transient. It also appears to have the greatest effect on people who aren't used to consuming it.
- Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to caffeine dosage and timing, especially if you already have high blood pressure and any other related symptoms.
How quickly does caffeine raise blood pressure?
Caffeine usually affects blood pressure within 30 minutes of consumption, with the peak effect occurring 1-2 hours later when caffeine levels are at their highest. Caffeine levels in your system can drop by half in 3-6 hours. Caffeine-induced blood pressure changes have been shown to last for more than 4 hours.
When can the consumption of caffeine be harmful to the body?
- Caffeine is probably safe for most healthy adults in doses up to 400 mg per day. It's about the same as 4 cups of coffee.
- Caffeine may be dangerous if used for an extended time or in doses greater than 400 mg per day. Caffeine has been associated with sleeplessness, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, increased heart rate, and other adverse side effects. Higher doses may result in headaches, anxiety, and chest pain.
- Caffeine is probably dangerous in high doses. It can lead to irregular heartbeats and, in extreme cases, death. Products containing very concentrated or pure caffeine have a high risk of being used in excessively high doses. These products should be avoided.
References
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/prevention/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure/faq-20058543
