High blood pressure from coffee | High blood pressure

High blood pressure from coffee

The study situation regarding coffee consumption in combination with high blood pressure is ambiguous. Some studies even claim to have shown a positive effect of coffee on blood pressure, although it is certain that coffee, like other caffeinated drinks, raises blood pressure shortly after consumption. The increase in blood pressure after drinking coffee is between 10 and 20 mmHg and lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Blood pressure should not be measured after a cup of coffee, as the values are then elevated by the caffeine and are of no significance. It is recommended to stay at a maximum of three cups of coffee a day, so that the blood pressure is not raised several times a day. Alcohol is also a risk factor for high blood pressure.

On the one hand, alcohol also lowers blood pressure, as alcohol causes the skin vessels to dilate, which results in the characteristic reddish flush when alcohol is consumed. On the other hand, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which leads to a release of blood pressure-increasing hormones. Especially in stressful situations or when nicotine is consumed at the same time, alcohol increases blood pressure.

Men should not consume more than 20 g a day, which corresponds to about half a litre of beer or a quarter of a litre of wine. For women, about half of this amount applies. This corresponds to 10g per day, which is equivalent to 125ml of wine.

This is because men’s blood pressure rises when they drink more than 30g of alcohol and women’s blood pressure rises when they drink more than 20g. Red wine is also said to have a positive, protective effect on the cardiovascular system, but only if it is consumed in moderation. Scientific studies have shown that a daily alcohol consumption of more than 30g per day leads to a double risk of high blood pressure.

Patients with particularly high blood pressure should avoid alcohol consumption completely if possible. Blood pressure rises by about 7 mmHg if alcohol consumption exceeds the limit of 30g alcohol. Men in particular experience an increase in blood pressure as a result of alcohol consumption. The increase in blood pressure is even greater among smokers than among non-smokers.

Hypertension due to smoking

As with many other diseases, smoking is a risk factor for high blood pressure. Smoking constricts the blood vessels so that the pressure inside the vessels, i.e. the blood pressure increases. Smoking also increases the risk of arteriosclerosis, which causes deposits to form inside the blood vessels, which also increases blood pressure. Because of these mechanisms, refraining from smoking is one of the most important measures for lowering blood pressure.