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The Effects of Caffeine on Heart Rate

Coffee, soda, tea and other drinks contain caffeine. When ingested, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system of our bodies. The heart rate and blood pressure will also experience effects due to caffeine.

  1. Caffeine

    • Many plants, including the coffee bean and cocoa, contain caffeine. The molecular structure of caffeine resembles the structure of a nucleoside named adenosine. This molecule has the ability to slow nerve activity, causing us to become tired. Caffeine binds to the adenosine receptors, and blocks adenosine. Caffeine then triggers the body to produce epinephrine.

    Effects

    • Epinephrine, also known as adrenalin, stimulates many parts of the body. The cardiovascular system experiences many changes due to the hormone. The heart rate increases after consuming caffeine. Blood pressure will then, in turn, increase also.

    Time Frame

    • Caffeine begins working within five minutes of consumption. At this time, the central nervous system is stimulated. The heart must begin to beat faster to supply the rest of the body with oxygenated blood.

    Benefits

    • Most people consume caffeine to benefit from the side effects. Caffeine functions to stimulate and make us feel more alert. The brain will receive more oxygenated blood than usual due to the increased heart rate.

    Warning

    • Prolonged use of caffeine has the potential to keep the heart rate elevated to unsafe levels. According to the European Heart Journal, those with increased heart rates are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

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