Hypertension and Caffeine Effect

Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid which was discovered in 1819, by a German chemist, Friedrich Ferdinand Runge. He named it Kaffeine, which later became caffeine in English. Caffeine is obtained as a white, crystalline powder from coffee and tea. It is considered a psychoactive stimulant drug, as it activates the central nervous system. Psychoactive drugs are responsible for bringing about a change in consciousness, mood or behavior of individuals. Besides coffee, caffeine is also found in beans and leaves and fruits of several plants including tea. It can also be derived artificially. Nowadays, many pain relievers, diet pills, health drinks, drugs and soft drinks contain caffeine.

Caffeine is well known for its effects on the brain. It activates the central nervous system and thereby, increases alertness. Therefore, it is quite effective in temporarily warding off drowsiness and fatigue.

Effects of Caffeine on Blood Pressure

Besides its effect on stimulating the activities of the brain, caffeine has been a subject of many researches and studies for its possible effect on blood pressure. It has been found by many studies that caffeine causes a temporary sharp increase in blood pressure by constricting the blood vessels. A hormone, known as adenosine, is believed to help in widening the blood vessels and caffeine obstructs the effect of this hormone.

Some studies show that the people who drink caffeinated coffee regularly have, on an average, higher blood pressure than those who do not drink it at all. Others are of the opinion that regular intake of caffeinated coffee make the body tolerant to caffeine and therefore, does not have a long term effect on the blood pressure level. Caffeine is also supposed to induce the pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal gland and produce the hormone adrenaline. An increased secretion of adrenaline can increase blood pressure.

Recently, some researches have revealed that caffeine may cause the stiffness of arteries, especially in patients of high blood pressure. However, this is a preliminary finding, and the presumed effect of caffeine on arteries may be a short term effect just like its temporary effect on the brain.

So far, the results and conclusions of different studies regarding the effects of caffeine on blood pressure have been quite contradictory. A study carried out on 155,000 women for 12 years, has disclosed that drinking caffeinated cola may increase the risk of high blood pressure, while drinking caffeinated coffee may actually lower the risk of suffering from high blood pressure. Similarly, a large (about 6 cups a day) intake of coffee has been presumed by many researches to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, while those who drink a small amount of coffee seem to fall under the high risk zone.

An interesting finding of a recent research is that there can be considerable difference in effects of caffeine on men and women. In men, it can increase blood pressure due to its constrictive effect on blood vessels. It is also associated with increased resistance of the blood vessels to the flow of blood. On the other hand, in women, it raises the level of blood pressure by increasing the activity of the heart, which in turn increases blood circulation.

Too much intake of caffeinated coffee and tea may lead to an addiction and people may experience symptoms like restlessness, headache, sleep deprivation and fatigue, if the intake is cut down suddenly. Besides containing caffeine, coffee and tea are also rich in a compound, known as polyphenol, which is believed to have a number of health benefits. Polyphenol may be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease and <a href="http://naturalremediesforcancer.blogspot.com/">cancer</a>. Besides, it can also reduce the level of activated platelets in blood. Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting and therefore, polyphenols are believed to help prevent blood clots, which can lead to a heart stroke.

To sum up, till now there have been no definitive studies to help reach a conclusion about the effects of caffeine on blood pressure. However, evaluating both the possible harmful effects of caffeine and the health benefits of other compounds found in some drinks like tea and coffee, it is desirable to consume these in a limited amount.