Guarana, or Paullinia cupana, is an Amazonian plant that contains large amounts of caffeine. Like other sources of caffeine, guarana can cause short but intense spikes in blood pressure that may be dangerous if you have hypertension. Learning how guarana affects blood pressure can help you determine whether the supplement is safe for you. Consult your doctor before taking guarana if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Features
Guarana is a bushy plant that grows wild throughout the Amazon Basin. Its medicinal uses are extensive and include treatment of conditions ranging from headache to dysentery. Today, guarana is often sold as a remedy for fatigue due to its stimulating properties. While its main effects are caused by caffeine, guarana also contains other psychoactive compounds such as theophylline and theobromine.
Effect on Blood Pressure
The caffeine in guarana may cause harmful effects in people with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions. MayoClinic.com states that caffeine can cause a temporary but significant increase in blood pressure. Its long term effects on blood pressure are less clear. Since guarana contains more caffeine than many other sources, it may be more likely to trigger adverse effects. According to Drug Information Online, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping and nervousness are common side effects of guarana. Combining guarana with certain drugs or supplements may increase the likelihood of unhealthy blood pressure changes.
Methods of Application
If you have high blood pressure, ask your physician before using products that contain guarana or other forms of caffeine. MayoClinic.com suggests checking your blood pressure before and after consuming caffeine to determine how it affects you. Avoid combining guarana with other stimulants like pseudoephedrine, as their additive effects can be more dramatic than caffeine alone. When taking guarana, limit your use of other forms of caffeine like tea or coffee. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms such as severe headache or chest pain after consuming guarana, as these may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Additional Considerations
In moderate amounts, guarana is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration. The blood pressure changes associated with caffeine are usually not harmful in healthy people with normal blood pressure. As a dietary supplement, guarana is not subject to testing by the Food and Drug Administration prior to marketing and may contain unknown ingredients. Buying guarana from a trusted source can reduce the risks of contamination.
