Coffee And Blood Pressure
Whether it is to kick-start the day in the morning or to get a mid-afternoon boost, drinking coffee has become somewhat of a go-to habit for many people. But, if you have high blood pressure, you may want to reconsider having that next cup of joe. Many medical experts agree that those with high blood pressure should be wary when consuming any type of caffeinated beverage, such as espresso and energy drinks.
High blood pressure is defined as having a persisting systolic blood pressure greater than 140 and a diastolic blood pressure of more than 90 (measured in millimeters of mercury). Hypertension can also be caused by a number of factors, such as an unhealthy diet, being overweight, a lack of exercise and generally, lifestyle factors. High blood pressure can lead to a plethora of health problems and conditions, including but not limited to heart attack and stroke, so it is important to manage the condition, to prevent further medical issues.
Drinking coffee is not always a bad idea. Studies have actually suggested that drinking coffee in moderation may not be linked to high blood pressure or even cardiovascular disease. In a 2014 study, researchers found that drinking between two and three cups of regular coffee (amounting to 400 milligrams of caffeine) does not have an adverse effect on those who have high blood pressure.
However, the “moderation” part is key here. Drinking more than three cups a day is where you should draw the line. Consuming large amounts of caffeine is known to raise your heart rate, in turn increasing your blood pressure, which as stated earlier, could lead to heart attack, stroke or both. To put it simply, consuming big amounts of coffee, will elevate your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
In addition, those with high blood pressure should be weary of sugary coffees and beverages laden with syrup, as the excessive amount of sugar can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes and obesity. In addition to this, if you are in the habit of drinking multiple cups of coffee per day, you may want to start your meet caffeine consumption goals without “upping the ante”, so to speak. Try lessening your consumption by 1/2 cup each day instead of jumping straight for the 3 cup mark.
Making a switch to decaffeinated options is also a viable option. Caffeine-free beverages are lower in calories and can still provide you with the same energy boost that caffeinated options do. There are also plenty of options for tea drinkers, as some teas have caffeine, but not as much as coffee does.
Coffee Sensitivity
Be mindful that not everyone will suffer the same effects to the same degree when consuming coffee. Some individuals may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. So, as long as you are mindful of your limits, you will be able to stay safe while getting your daily caffeine fix. Should coffee make you feel light-headed, dizzy, experience an irregular heartbeat or any other discomfort, you may want to cut back your daily cup intake, or even cut out the coffee altogether.
It is best to speak to your doctor and make sure that it is safe for you to have coffee, even if it’s in moderation. That way,you can make an informed decision about whether coffee is the right drink for you and your high blood pressure. It’s also important to continue to monitor your blood pressure and to make sure that your coffee consumption is not making your high blood pressure worse.
Coffee Alternatives
If you decide that coffee is not the best drink for you and your high blood pressure, there are many coffee alternatives you could switch to. Decaffeinated tea is a great option, as it still offers the traditional tea taste, but without the caffeine. This can help to avoid any sudden blood pressure spikes. Plus, tea still contains antioxidants, like coffee, which can reduce oxidative stress.
Vegetable juice is another alternative that can provide you with the same energy-boosting benefits of coffee. Some health experts also suggest that drinking milk can offer the same energy boost, as it contains some natural caffeine, but in much lower doses than coffee. Try experimenting with different drinks to find the one that can keeps you alert without any worrying side effects.
Tips To Self-Monitor
All in all, when deciding whether to drink coffee if you suffer from high blood pressure, it is best to be aware of how your body is feeling. If you don’t start to feel any discomfort after drinking a cup a day, it is likely that your blood pressure levels are not being affected by the caffeine.
Above all else, it is essential that you check up on your blood pressure levels regularly, to ensure that you are managing your condition. You should also keep an eye on how much caffeine you are consuming. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does note that drinking up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day may not be linked to adverse side effects for those with high blood pressure, but this amount should still be monitored.
Further Research
If you are looking for ways to naturally manage and reduce your blood pressure levels, without drinking coffee, there are many options available. Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise and reducing stress are all great ways to keep your heart healthy. You can also consider taking supplements such as omega 3, hawthorn and garlic, which can help to naturally reduce your blood pressure readings.
It is always important to do your own research when it comes to managing your health. Speak to your doctor if you are struggling with high blood pressure, so they can provide advice on how to keep it under control. Your doctor can give you personalised advice and more information on the amount of coffee intake that’s suitable for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that for those with high blood pressure, moderation is key. While drinking a few cups of coffee a day may not be a big threat, it is always best to keep an eye on how your body is feeling, while enjoying a cup of joe. If you find that you’re experiencing any discomfort after drinking coffee, you should speak to your doctor and consider switching to a different drink that can offer the same energy boost, without any worrying side effects.
