You may know that coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant. You may also know that over time, people who consume coffee drinks and energy drinks tend to have higher blood pressure than those who don’t.
Caffeine is the main reason why energy drinks are so popular and why people often use them. Like coffee, energy drinks give people that caffeine jolt they are looking for to stay active and awake.
The Effects Of Energy Drinks
Mayo Clinic researchers decided to look at the effects of energy drinks on the blood pressures of 25 healthy volunteers ranging from 19 to 40 years old. They had the participants drink a can of energy drink one day, and then a placebo the next day.
The researchers found that average systolic blood pressure increased 3 percent more after the subjects drank an energy drink, compared with after they drank the placebo drink.
The spike was sharper in participants who were not regular coffee drinkers because those who partake of coffee regularly tend to build up a tolerance to caffeine; their blood pressure went up less, if at all.
What Are Your Blood Pressure Numbers?
The only way to know (diagnose) if you have high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is to have your blood pressure tested. Understanding your blood pressure numbers is key to controlling high blood pressure.
Knowing Your Blood Pressure Category
Learn what’s considered normal, as recommended by the American Heart Association.
| Blood Pressure Category |
Systolic mm Hg (upper #) |
Diastolic mm Hg (lower #) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | less than 120 | and | less than 80 |
| Prehypertension | 120 – 139 | or | 80 – 89 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1 |
140 – 159 | or | 90 – 99 |
| High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 |
160 or higher | or | 100 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed) |
Higher than 180 |
or | Higher than 110 |
Note: A diagnosis of high blood pressure must be confirmed with a medical professional. A doctor should also evaluate any unusually low blood pressure readings. Additionally, lower targets may be appropriate for some populations such as African-Americans, the elderly, or patients with underlying issues such as diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease.
Top Dangers Of Energy Drink Consumption
- Cardiac Arrest
- Headaches and Migraines
- Increased Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Onset Of Type 2 Diabetes
- Drug Interaction Issues
Older Adults Need To Be Cautious Using Energy Drinks
The researchers noted that such a spike might not harm people who are young and healthy, but could cause problems in older people who are more prone to stroke, irregular heartbeats, and other cardiovascular problems.
When it comes to blood pressure, small changes can translate into big gains in terms of a longer, healthier life.
Don’t ignore the most common causes of high blood pressure. You still need to walk an hour a day, lose 10 pounds, and quit smoking.
But also be sure that the hidden causes of high blood pressure aren’t sabotaging your best efforts.
Caffeine Calculator
How much of your favorite energy drink, soda, or coffee should you consume?
The website Caffeineinformer.com has what they call the Caffeine Calculator, which calculates how much Caffeine is too much for a typical person. Obviously these calculations are based on averages, so they aren’t necessarily accurate for you, but do give a good baseline on how much is too much for the average adult.
Those that already have existing heart conditions should ultimately consult their physician about talking any of these types of drinks.
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