People with high blood pressure should exercise some caution when drinking coffee, but they don’t need to avoid it.
Sudden anxiety, shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pain can all be symptoms of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than 220 million people in India. Hypertension is a progressive disease that can cause other comorbidities such as coronary artery disease, stroke, COPD, and diabetes. The massive prevalence and risk of the disease raise questions about different prevention strategies and treatment options. One of them is whether drinking coffee regularly can help keep blood pressure levels low.
Can coffee increase blood pressure?
Coffee is known to temporarily increase blood pressure. In the case of hypertensive patients, caffeine can have a greater impact on their blood pressure levels. After a temporary spike, blood pressure levels return to normal.
The debate about coffee lowering blood pressure stems from a report by Nutrients2 which states that drinking three cups of coffee in a single day can reduce hypertension levels. This is because caffeine has compounds like chlorogenic acids, cafestol, and kahweol, as well as small amounts of magnesium and potassium. These compounds are known to have a positive effect on blood pressure levels, but their use in controlling hypertension is unknown.
Coffee consumption may have benefits and limitations for people with high blood pressure problems. Here are some benefits and limitations one should know:
Benefits
- Caffeine can help with short-term blood pressure spikes during hypotension.
- It can stimulate the central nervous system and improve cognitive function.
limitations
- Temporary spikes in blood pressure can have an adverse effect on patients who already have high blood pressure.
- Regular coffee consumption can create a dependency on the drink. Over time, its effect will begin to wear off and people will experience withdrawal symptoms.
- Excessive use of caffeine can interfere with the effectiveness of medications people use to control blood pressure.
- Due to these factors, it is important to practice caution and consult a physician before initiating any drink or medication for medical purposes.
Based on the given factors, hypertensive patients should avoid consuming too much caffeine to control high blood pressure.
(Inputs: Dr. Abhishek Singh, Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad)
Published Date: May 30, 2023 2:43 PM IST
Updated Date: May 30, 2023 2:56 PM IST
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