Scientific studies in recent years have identified some drinks that can increase blood pressure (hypertension).
Limiting their intake is critical and not controlling them can lead to fatal health complications.
According to a document from the Spanish Society of Hypertension – Spanish League for Hypertension (SEH-LELHA), 33% of adults suffer from arterial hypertension (AH).
The number of cases is increasing and the problem continues to be of concern to both patients and healthcare professionals.
For this reason, efforts have been made to improve habits that help keep the pressure under control. In this regard, dietary adjustments are crucial.
Which drinks should you avoid? Here are more details on this topic.
Drinks That Raise Blood Pressure
There are some drinks that, due to their composition, can cause an increase in blood pressure. In addition, regular use increases the risk for the development of hypertension.
Limiting their intake is crucial when it comes to health. After all, in this way you exclude one of the risk factors for diseases.
As stated in a review published by Pharmacological Research, hypertension is the most significant risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases.
These diseases include arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, and stroke. So which drinks are most common and why should you exclude them from your diet? Today we will talk about this in detail.
Sugar-Containing Drinks
Excessive consumption of sugary drinks is associated with a greater predisposition to obesity and overweight.
For quite a long time, researchers recommended not to consume them, as they are 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 this type of beverage and an increase in blood pressure.
Therefore, you should limit their consumption and replace them with healthier drinks such as water.
Alcohol
Today, most people are aware that drinking too much alcohol can have serious health consequences. However, you should note that it is also one of the drinks that can increase blood pressure.
This feature was demonstrated in a study published in the World Journal of Cardiology.
The research suggested that limiting the consumption of this type of drink helps to control high blood pressure and prevent complications.
Thus, people who are more prone to alcohol addiction, such as veterans must get help to improve their well-being.
They can contact a top-rated veteran rehabilitation center to get professional assistance to quit the addiction.
In this way, they can prevent high blood pressure and other serious alcohol-related health problems.
Energy Drinks
People suffering from hypertension or heart disease should avoid the consumption of energy drinks.
Numerous scientific studies (such as one in the Journal of the American Heart Association) confirm an increase in blood pressure after their consumption, even in healthy people.
Energy drinks contain caffeine and taurine. Researchers believe that these substances are the cause of increased blood pressure and heart rate.
All manufacturers that promise to give extra energy include caffeine and taurine (in more or less quantity) in their products.
These substances have a strong effect on blood pressure. Here is a good example; one energy drink is equivalent to 2 cups of strong coffee.
Just don’t confuse energy drinks with sports drinks and rehydration drinks. They have another task – to restore the body after intense physical exertion.
Coffee
Coffee, as well as all beverages and foods containing caffeine, may be harmful to patients with hypertension.
According to Dr. Sheldon Sheps in a Mayo Clinic publication, people who drink or eat caffeinated products are more to high blood pressure.
So if you are suffering from hypertension, you must quit using caffeinated products for better health.
Hypertension And Its Dangers
The main danger of high blood pressure is that it causes negative consequences without any obvious symptoms.
That is, hypertension also refers to the “silent” disease. It can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, create a constant feeling of discomfort, or even cause a heart attack.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help control hypertension, especially when paired with certain lifestyle changes.
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 of drug will depend on the individual case. Treatment must be prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, if you suspect this disease, it is important to consult a specialist to get a diagnosis.
Most Common Complications
If you do not control high blood pressure on time, a person can have very serious consequences.
According to information published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, these complications may include:
Artery Damage
Under optimal conditions (normal blood pressure), arteries are flexible, strong, and elastic.
When the pressure rises, the arteries can narrow or become damaged if the cells that line their inner surface thicken and harden.
This happens because the fats that we absorb with food enter the bloodstream. And during circulation, damaged cells will constantly accumulate.
Such changes negatively affect the flow of blood to various parts of the body (brain, legs, heart, kidneys, etc.).
Aneurysm
The constant flow of blood through the damaged artery can cause the wall of the artery to increase in size, forming what is known as an aneurysm.
If this aneurysm suddenly ruptures, internal bleeding occurs, putting the person’s life in danger. Thus, it is important to control such health conditions.
Heart Problems
High blood pressure can adversely affect the condition and functioning of the heart because this organ is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
If blood circulation gets obstructed, it can cause chest pain, arrhythmia, and even a heart attack.
The brain can also get damaged due to a transient ischemic attack, which is a short-term interruption in the power supply to the brain.
And these are just some of the serious problems that result from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Refusal of some harmful drinks can protect the circulatory system of people suffering from hypertension.
And the best way to control your condition (and blood pressure) is to visit your doctor regularly and follow his instructions.
Sandra is a health blogger based in San Diego, California. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and exploring new places with her husband. She is a mom of two awesome kids and a dog named Luna!