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Mixing High Blood Pressure and Caffeine - A Definite No-no

By: Robert L Brown.

Craving for your daily caffeine fix? Well, if you have high blood pressure, think again before you help yourself to a cup of freshly brewed coffee. This article gives you four reasons why caffeine and high blood pressure simply won't mix:

1. Caffeine is a stimulant - Caffeine is believed to result in an increase in blood pressure, even though it is a mild stimulant. For some, this does not pose any health threats but for others who already have high blood pressure, it may spell disaster. Studies have not yet made clear what role caffeine plays in raising blood pressure levels. Some studies show that those who have regular caffeine intake have higher blood pressure levels. Other studies show that those who have a regular caffeine intake develop a tolerance for caffeine. However, these studies are in agreement with the fact that sugar, cream and other food have a mitigating effect on caffeine.

2. Caffeine sharply increase blood pressure levels - Some studies confirm that caffeine affects blood pressure almost immediately. Studies show that sharp rises in blood pressure after taking in caffeine, although this increase is only temporary. Caffeine's long term effect on blood pressure is yet to be discovered. The sharp rise of blood pressure immediately after taking caffeine is attributed to caffeine's mitigating effect on adenosine's ability to widen the artery. As a result, blood vessels are constricted and this leads to higher blood pressure. It is also believed that caffeine releases cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn results to a rise in blood pressure levels.

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. It can cause heart problems - The danger of high blood pressure is related to the fact that it is associated with chronic heart problems. Caffeine compounds this because drinking more than four cups of coffee can increase the chance of developing heart problems.

Although caffeine is recognized for its ability to increase blood pressure levels, close to 80% of the people worldwide still take it in some form or another. Caffeine is found in many foods, particularly common drinks such as coffee, tea, chocolate drinks and soft drinks. Here is a list of some foods that contain caffeine and the amount it contains.

* 8-ounce brewed coffee -135 mg, * plain black tea-up to 70 mg, * 12-ounce Pepsi - 37.5 mg, * a bottle of Red Bull - 80 mg, * 1.45 ounce chocolate bar - 27 mg, * Midol (for menstruation pains) 60 mg, * pain relievers - 60mg.

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.

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