Home | Health & Fitness | Cardio
As far as partners go, caffeine and high blood pressure are as incompatible as oil is to water. This article outlines the dangers of mixing caffeine with high blood pressure. 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. It can sharply raise blood pressure levels - These are studies confirming that caffeine intake can result in an immediate increase in blood pressure. The long term effect of taking caffeine especially in increasing the blood pressure level is still unknown. One common finding is the sharp blood pressure increase, albeit temporary, among those who take in caffeine on an irregular basis. Doctors explained that caffeine intake blocks the artery widening effect of the hormone adenosine - and constricted blood vessels lead to higher pressure. An alternative theory is that the blood pressure increase comes as a result of the release of adrenaline and cortisol which caffeine causes. 3. It causes increased Artherosclerosis risk - A study presented to the American Society of Hypertension in 2002 has confirmed the effects of caffeine on the arteries of people suffering from high blood pressure. The study found that those who have high blood pressure and continue to take caffeine are much more susceptible to hardening of the arteries. However, those who conducted the study state that it is still too early to make definitive conclusions 4. Caffeine can cause chronic heart illnesses - High blood pressure is closely related to chronic heart illness. The higher your blood pressure is, the more chances of developing heart problems. In fact, drinking over four cups of coffee can raise the odds of your developing a heart illness. Even though caffeine has been blamed as one of the culprits behind high blood pressure almost 80% of people worldwide take it in everyday in different forms. It may be difficult to avoid caffeine because it is present in common beverages like chocolate drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Here is a quick guide to the different foods you might find it in as well as the amount of caffeine contained: *brewed coffee, 8-ounces - 135 mg, *12-ounce Pepsi - 37.5 mg, *black tea, plain - around 70 mg, *one chocolate bar, 1.45 ounces - 27 mg, *Midol (taken for menstruation pains) and other pain relievers - 60 mg, a bottle of Red Bull - 80 mg. Doctors have advised even those not suffering from high blood pressure to limit their caffeine intake to about two 12-ounce cups of coffee. But you should also watch out for other beverages that contain caffeine like tea or soft drinks as they can increase the amount of caffeine taken on a daily basis. As much as possible, try to minimize, if not totally avoid, any caffeine intake, particularly if you already have high blood pressure. This way, you help avoid any further increases in your blood pressure.
Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com
Related reading: Also learn about ways to lower blood pressure plus herbal remedies for high blood pressure - just click the links to find more info.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
