Introduction
Beta blockers are a class of medications which have been in use since the 1960s and are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. They work by blocking the activity of the beta-adrenergic receptors, which control the heart rate and blood pressure. The therapeutic use of these drugs makes them one of the most popular and prescribed drugs, in particular for conditions like high blood pressure, chest pain, heart arrhythmia etc. These days, however, people are increasingly curious as to whether beta blockers can be taken with coffee or not. In this article, we’ll look into some details about coffee in relation to beta blockers and how it may affect your wellbeing.
Are Beta Blockers and Coffee Compatible?
Beta blockers are generally considered to be safe when taken with coffee and the combination has not been observed to cause any adverse reactions. There is some evidence from laboratory and animal studies which suggest that drinking coffee while taking beta blockers may produce unwanted effects, such as an increase in heart rate, decreased blood pressure and excessive arousal, however this has not been confirmed in humans.
Dr.Jill Smith, a cardiologist and professor at the University of North Carolina, agrees that the combination of beta blockers and coffee should be avoided, due to potential side-effects that could occur. “We have seen evidence in laboratory and animal studies which suggest that drinking coffee while taking beta blockers can produce unwanted effects, such as an increase in heart rate and decreased blood pressure.”
What are the Benefits of Coffee?
While coffee is not recommended for those taking beta blockers, there are still several health benefits associated with moderate coffee consumption. Studies have found that drinking moderate amounts of coffee on a regular basis may reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, as well as helping to control blood pressure. Furthermore, coffee has been shown to boost the brain’s performance and help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Data has shown that drinking coffee can also be beneficial for people with a pre-existing heart condition. Studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of coffee on a regular basis may help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as aiding in controlling blood sugar.
How Much Coffee is Too Much?
Due to the potential side-effects associated with taking beta blockers and coffee together, it is important to be aware of the amount of coffee consumed while taking these medications. Most experts advise that no more than two to three cups per day should be consumed, and it is important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine in each cup. From an average cup of brewed coffee, which contains between 95mg and 200mg of caffeine, the amount should not exceed 600mg.
Dr.N.Shah, a Heart Health Expert at the University of Saskatchewan, suggests that people should “calculate their intake and be mindful of the amount of caffeine they are ingesting. More than 600mg per day can be dangerous to your health and could potentially cause an overdose.”
What are the Effects of Too Much Coffee?
Consumption of too much coffee can have a variety of negative effects on overall health, such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Long-term consumption of excessive amounts of caffeine can also cause disruptions to sleep, inflammation and even depression.
As people age, the body’s ability to break down and absorb caffeine decreases, potentially leading to more adverse reactions. It is therefore recommended that elderly people should be particularly cautious when consuming caffeine, and should avoid drinking coffee while taking beta blockers.
Precautions to Take When Drinking Coffee with Beta Blockers
Although coffee is generally safe to drink with beta blockers, there are still certain precautions which should be taken. People should make sure that they are aware of the amount of caffeine they are consuming, and should stick to moderate amounts. Furthermore, the role of caffeine and the effect of coffee on beta blockers should be taken into consideration, as different types of beta blockers may interact differently. People should also take into consideration any underlying health conditions they may have which might be exacerbated by drinking coffee.
For those who are unsure, it is recommended that they speak to their doctor or pharmacist and seek further advice before consuming coffee while taking beta blockers.
Can Decaffeinated Coffee Help?
Decaffeinated coffee is considered to be a safe alternative for those taking beta blockers. As it contains only a fraction of the caffeine compared to regular coffee, it can provide many of the same health benefits without the unwanted side-effects that can be associated with caffeine.
Ilene Rossman, a Cardiologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital, suggests that “it’s best for those taking beta blockers to drink decaffeinated coffee. It contains a fraction of the caffeine compared to regular coffee and has been shown to provide many of the same health benefits without the negative effects.”
Risks of Mixing Beta Blockers and Coffee
Mixing beta blockers and coffee can have potential adverse effects on the body which can range from mild to severe. Caffeine can interfere with the action of beta blockers, resulting in increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, arrhythmias and even seizures. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that long-term use of beta blockers and coffee can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of beta blockers.
Dr.Scott Davis, a Cardiovascular Disease Expert at the University of Texas Medical school, warns that “the combination of beta blockers and coffee can cause the body to become desensitized to the beta blockers, resulting in decreased blood pressure control and increased risk of further medical complications”.
Can Caffeinated Beverages be Used Instead of Coffee?
Caffeinated beverages such as tea and energy drinks contain different levels of caffeine and should still be consumed with caution when taking beta blockers. Generally, it is recommended that no more than 600mg of caffeine should be consumed in a day, and this should be spread out throughout the day to reduce the chances of unwanted side-effects.
Dr.Mara Kennedy, a Cardiologist and Professor at Harvard Medical School suggests that “it is best to avoid excessive consumption of any caffeinated beverages while taking beta blockers. Any more than 600mg of caffeine per day can increase the risk of unwanted side-effects.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that drinking coffee while taking beta blockers may produce unwanted side-effects, it is generally considered to be safe in moderation. It is recommended, however, that doses of caffeine should not exceed 600mg per day, and any underlying health conditions should be taken into consideration. Those who are unsure should speak to their doctor or pharmacist for more advice.
