Caffeine is commonly consumed by many people in the form of coffee, energy drinks and soda. It has direct stimulating effects on the central nervous system, causing an increase in cognitive function and focus. However, it's been long thought that caffeine consumption can also cause an increase in blood pressure, or hypertension. Although the effects have been widely studied, according to the American Heart Association, hypertension effects have not been found to be consistent.
Function
The effect of caffeine consumption on blood pressure is still being explored. However, the Mayo Clinic suggests that caffeine's effect on blood pressure is either due to caffeine's ability to block a hormone that causes and keeps arteries in a widened state, or due to the fact that caffeine increases adrenaline levels, which subsequently causes a rise in blood pressure.
Effects
Caffeine has been found to temporarily increase blood pressure; the Mayo Clinic states that two to three cups of coffee can cause systolic blood pressure to increase by three to 14 mm/Hg and diastolic pressure to four to 13 mm/Hg in some people. However, the American Heart Association states that average caffeine consumption, or 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day, has not been shown to consistently increase blood pressure in those who don't already suffer from hypertension.
Safety
According to the American Heart Association, for those who don't already suffer from hypertension, 1 to 2 cups of coffee or its caffeine equivalent are safe and shouldn't increase blood pressure to unhealthy levels. According to a 2004 review published in the journal "Hypertension," moderate consumption is an adequate strategy to minimizing any adverse cardiovascular effects.
Time Frame
According to "Hypertension," the temporary increases in blood pressure after 2 to 3 cups of coffee come about in approximately 40 to 60 minutes after consumption and can last for many hours. The effects vary between individuals, and the Mayo Clinic suggests that those who are worried about possible hypertension effects should take their blood pressure 30 to 40 minutes after caffeine consumption to monitor any changes.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic suggests that those who already suffer from hypertension should avoid or limit caffeine consumption to avoid raising their blood pressure to dangerous levels. Adolescents should be even more cautious, because according to "Hypertension," blood pressure increases from chronic caffeine consumption are more likely to be seen in younger individuals.
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