The Drinks That Increase Blood Pressure The Most

There are some drinks whose composition can increase blood pressure. What are the most common? Why should they be excluded from the diet? In this space we detail it.

In recent years, some beverages have been identified that can cause an increase in blood pressure. Limiting its consumption is decisive, since the lack of control of this disease can lead to health complications with fatal outcomes. 

According to the document of the Spanish Society of Hypertension-Spanish League for the Fight against Arterial Hypertension (SEH-LELHA),  33% of adults in Spain have arterial hypertension (HT). Cases are increasing and it is an issue that continues to generate concern both in patients and in health professionals.

Therefore, an effort has been made to improve the habits that help keep pressure under control. Regarding this, diet adjustments became decisive. What are the drinks to avoid? In this space we want to detail them.

Drinks that can increase blood pressure

There are some drinks that, due to their composition, can cause occasional increases in blood pressure. In addition, when consumed regularly, they are a risk factor for hypertension. Limiting their intake is decisive when talking about health, since they become a risk factor for disease.

And, as detailed in a review published in Pharmacological Research , hypertension is the strongest risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, stroke, among others.

1. Sugary drinks

The excessive consumption of sugary drinks is related to a greater tendency to obesity and being overweight. Its consumption has even been discouraged for years, as it is considered a risk factor for metabolic syndrome.

A systematic review published in the American Journal of Cardiology concluded that there is a relationship between the consumption of these types of beverages and an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, you should limit your consumption and opt for healthy drinks such as water.

2. Energy drinks

People who have heart conditions or high blood pressure should avoid consuming energy drinks. Multiple studies, such as one published in the Journal of the American Heart Association indicate that healthy people who consumed them increased their blood pressure

Energy drinks contain taurine and caffeine. Researchers believe that these substances could be responsible for increases in blood pressure and heart rate.

All brands, whose promise is to increase energy levels, contain caffeine and taurine to a greater or lesser extent. These substances have an impact on the cardiovascular system. One way to illustrate this is that an energy drink is equivalent to having 2 cups of coffee.

Energy drinks should not be confused with rehydration drinks or sports drinks. The latter aim to rebuild the body after heavy physical wear and tear.

3. Coffee and caffeine 

Coffee and all beverages and foods that contain caffeine can be harmful to patients with hypertension. According to Dr. Sheldon Sheps, in a Mayo Clinic publication:

4. Alcohol

Today, most people are aware that excessive alcohol consumption can have serious health consequences. However, it should be noted in a special way that it is also one of the drinks that can increase blood pressure.

This was demonstrated by a complete study published in the World Journal of Cardiology , in which, in addition, it is suggested to limit the intake of this type of drink in order to control high blood pressure and prevent complications.

Dangers of high blood pressure

One of the dangers of having high blood pressure is that, without control, it can cause consequences in the body without there being any symptoms of it. For this reason, they call it the silent illness or disease.

Hypertension can lead to a degradation in the quality of life due to constant discomfort and even a heart attack. Despite its severity, there are treatments that, accompanied by lifestyle changes, can help control it.

According to information published in the Mayo Clinic , drug treatment may include the following:

• Diuretics
• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers.
• Calcium channel blockers.

However, the choice between some drugs or others depends on each case. The doctor will be the one who determines the best treatment. Therefore, when suspected of this disease, it is important to consult to receive a diagnosis.

What are the most common complications?

If high blood pressure is not controlled in a timely manner, the person can have very serious consequences on their health. As published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information , these complications may include those discussed below.

Arterial damage

The arteries, in optimal condition, are flexible and have elasticity and strength, unless blood pressure increases. When this pressure increases, they can become damaged and narrow, affecting the cells that line them. 

The fats consumed in the diet enter the bloodstream. As it passes, the damaged cells accumulate. This alteration affects the flow of blood to various parts of the body (brain, legs, heart and others, such as the kidneys).

Aneurysm

The constant passage of blood through a damaged artery could cause an increase in the size of its wall, leading to an aneurysm. If the latter explodes, it causes internal bleeding that seriously endangers the life of the person who suffers it.

Heart

If blood pressure is high it can affect the heart, as it is the organ in charge of pumping blood throughout the body. As a result of the difficulty for blood to flow, hypertension can cause chest pain, arrhythmias or a heart attack.

Brain damage can also occur from a transient ischemic attack, which is the brief interruption of blood supply to the brain. These are just some of the serious problems that result from not controlling high blood pressure.

Drinks that increase blood pressure: what to remember?

Drinks that help increase blood pressure are very common in the diet. For this reason, a treatment for hypertension involves changes in people’s daily lives.

These changes, such as the case of abstaining from these drinks, aim to protect the circulatory system of hypertensive patients. In any case, the best way to keep the tension in balance is to go to the doctor on a regular basis and follow his instructions.