Who doesn’t like to start their morning with a warm cup of coffee? Perhaps you prefer tea instead? It doesn’t matter what beverage you go for; what matters is the amount of caffeine it contains.
Most morning drinks are known for the boost of energy they provide. And where does this boost come from, you may ask? Why caffeine, of course! But did you know that caffeine can increase your blood pressure ? Well, to be precise, it’s coffee that can raise your blood pressure. However, before you go fretting, don’t worry! The effects produced by caffeine are temporary and go away in a few hours’ time.
Does Coffee Raise Blood Pressure?
The rumors are true! Coffee does, indeed, raise your blood pressure. This is because coffee contains pure caffeine, and caffeine, in turn, is a stimulant. It’s also a vasoconstrictor, which means that it can shrink your blood vessels, making it harder for the blood to pass through.
Not to mention, with narrowed arteries, your heart is forced to pump blood at a much faster rate. This causes your heartbeat to rise, leading to a racing heart.
How Long Does it Take For Coffee’s Effects to Kick In?
In most cases, the effects of caffeine kick in only 10 to 15 minutes after ingesting it. This starts as a slow incline, only to peak after 45 minutes. Which is to say, an hour or 45 minutes after you’ve had your cup of coffee, you will begin to feel the actual jitteriness kick in. Once the caffeine’s effects are at their highest, it will remain that way for a few more hours before slowly starting to fade.
How Long Does Coffee Raise Your Blood Pressure For?
Considering how caffeine remains in your bloodstream for up to 10 whole hours, it’s safe to assume the same applies to your blood pressure. However, the major effects usually don’t last for quite as long.
You’re likely to feel the adrenaline rush for up to 6 hours. This means that the constriction of your blood vessels and a spike in blood pressure is temporary. When the effects fade away, your body automatically goes back to normal. The blood starts pumping normally, and your arteries don’t have to stretch themselves out, either.
Will Your Blood Pressure Lower If You Quit Caffeine?
Rather than lowering your blood pressure , you’ll notice other huge differences. Although, if you’re a regular coffee drinker, quitting it will make you go through tons of temporary yet off-putting effects. For instance, getting headaches, feeling exhausted, and having trouble concentrating are some of its common side effects. This is why experts recommend lowering your intake slowly instead of completely cutting it out of your diet.
The adverse effects can do more harm than good. Not to mention, once your system is free of caffeine altogether, your energy will be renewed. This will cause your blood pressure to function normally, sync your sleep cycle, and leave you feeling much more rested.
Long Story Short
All in all, coffee does raise blood pressure, and having too much of it can harm your cardiovascular heart. It’s important to maintain good heart health by constantly getting yourself evaluated . If you want to schedule an appointment with an experienced cardiologist, visit Epic Heart and Vascular Center . You can find our clinic at 17070 Red Oak Dr # 405, Houston, TX 77090. We’re situated in the Texas Medical Arts Tower, opposite Abiding Word Lutheran Church. For more information, you can also call us at any one of our locations:
- Houston: (832) 432-1951
- Willowbrook: (832) 432-1951