ARE CAFFEINE ADDICTS MORE PRONE TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS OVER TIME?
Coffee is among the world’s favourite beverages most people drink in a variety of ways. While some have it feel awake, others are simply addicted to coffee drinking 4-5 cups or more in a day. According to experts, coffee – packed with caffeine stimulates the nervous system, increasing alertness. However, many are sensitive to even one cup making them feel jittery or interfering with sleep.
The circulatory effects of coffee are more complex and can lead to various physical issues, including high blood pressure.
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Experts say caffeine interferes with blood pressure levels by constricting blood vessels and causing the adrenal glands to release adrenaline. The effects of caffeine on blood pressure last up to four hours and increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure by up to 15 points within 30 minutes. However, many studies say the exact relationship between coffee and blood pressure is still unclear.Many researchers say blood pressure response to caffeine differs from one person to another. Some also believe that caffeine can block a hormone that helps keep your arteries widened. Others think that caffeine causes your adrenal glands to release more adrenaline, which causes your blood pressure to increase.
“The recommended daily limit for caffeine intake is usually no more than 250mg. Exceeding this amount, particularly with energy drinks that contain high levels of caffeine, can lead to an increased heart rate and palpitations, potentially triggering arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. Additionally, excessive caffeine consumption can result in gastritis and insomnia,” Dr. Anesh Jain, Consultant Cardiologist, at Ruby Hall Clinic, told Times Now.
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According to Dr. Jain, you must not have coffee after 3 pm to avoid gastric trouble. “It is advised to avoid coffee and other caffeine-containing products on an empty stomach and after 3 pm, as they can cause gastritis and insomnia, respectively. Consuming 2-3 cups of coffee per day is generally considered safe,” he added.Should you have any amount of coffee if you suffer from hypertension?
Coffee and your heart health have a complex relationship. According to Harvard Health, boiled, plunger pot, Turkish, and espresso coffee can raise blood cholesterol levels, but filtered, perked, and instant coffee does not. Coffee widens the bronchial tubes, providing mild benefits for some asthmatics as well.However, doctors say if you do not already drink coffee regularly, you may want to wait until your blood pressure is under control before adding this beverage to your routine, as it may increase your blood pressure in the short term. Keep in mind that eating or drinking too much of anything can lead to negative health effects, coffee is no exception. However, it is always important to maintain balance in your lifestyle and dietary habits.
A few ways you can take care of your blood pressure levels include:
- Regular physical activity
- A balanced diet paired with foods that are rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
- Taking care of stress
- Quit smoking and alcohol
- Get a sound, regulated sleep for 7-8 hours
- Keep your weight in check