The Effects of Caffeine on Hypertension

The correlation between caffeine and hypertension (high blood pressure) is unclear. Some studies have shown that increased caffeine intake can have adverse affects on hypertension; while other studies show no correlation between the two. Whatever the case, caffeine can increase blood pressure, but the long-term effects of caffeine on hypertension are debatable.

Caffeine

• Caffeine is a naturally derived stimulant that is found in a variety of sources: the leaves of particular types of plants, nuts and berries. Caffeine is generally derived through the consumption of chocolate, pills, soft drinks, coffee and tea. The consumption of caffeine is very high throughout the world; therefore, many studies have been done to determine whether there is a correlation between caffeine intake and hypertension.

Caffeine and the Central Nervous System

• Since caffeine is a stimulant, it greatly increases activity in the central nervous system. Therefore, it has the ability to increase alertness. In addition to making people feel more alert, caffeine also increases blood vessel constriction, which alters the supply of blood to the heart.

  Though caffeine is a stimulant, it has a short life span in the body and does very little damage. Furthermore, since caffeine acts as a diuretic, it facilitates its excretion through the kidneys and passes through the body very quickly.

Blood Pressure Spikes

• According to the Mayo Clinic, people who do not regularly consume caffeine may experience a temporary spike in blood pressure after ingesting it. Still, there is no definitive research on what exactly causes blood pressure to rise. Clinical studies have shown that caffeine constricts the blood vessels, which blocks the passage of adenosine. Adenosine is necessary to keep the blood vessels widened, and when it is blocked, blood pressure rises. Additionally, caffeine stimulates the production of adrenaline, which may cause blood pressure to rise.

Clinical Studies

• There have been numerous studies on the correlation between caffeine and hypertension; nevertheless, the studies have often produced conflicting results. A 12-year study of 155,000 U.S. women found that drinking carbonated soft drinks may increase blood pressure. This finding did not hold true for all caffeinated beverages, as a study of female caffeinated coffee drinkers found that the participants' blood pressure actually decreased as a result of coffee consumption.

  A study conducted in 2007 found that women who drank six cups of coffee per day have lower blood pressure than women who drank only a few cups daily. An additional finding of the 2007 study showed that women and men who did not drink coffee at all had a sharply reduced risk of developing hypertension.

Overall Correlation

• As the studies have shown, there is no clear-cut correlation between caffeine intake and hypertension. Despite the research, it becomes apparent that caffeine intake may have a short-lived impact on blood pressure levels, but it does not contribute to cardiovascular disease or blood vessel disorders that are usually found with hypertension.