Stress Plus Caffeine

A recent study suggests that caffeine can push blood pressure to unhealthy levels when taken into stressful situations. William Lovallo and colleagues at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Oklahama City found that caffeine alone sent blood pressure up in 31 male medical students they tested. Adding the stress of exam days took it even higher. Students who already had hypertension, or who had a family history and thus were considered at risk, had the highest blood pressure spikes.

The researchers conclude that it may be beneficial for those at high risk of hypertension to limit their routine use of caffeinated beverages, especially when their work demands are high.

Study found in Reader's Digest