Physiological impact of a single cup of coffee on systemic blood pressure and heart rate – A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Coffee is a prevalent beverage that is consumed on a global scale. This study was done to depict the immediate effects of caffeine on systemic blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in young healthy, normotensive individuals who consume coffee on an infrequent basis, using validated non-invasive techniques. The acute properties of caffeine have been the subject of numerous studies, and we’ll be exploring the latest findings on this topic. Thus, we think that it is more useful to ascertain if a typical cup of coffee can produce a significant rise in BP and HR. Aims and Objectives: This research aimed to examine the effect of a single cup of coffee on the HR and BP of young healthy adults. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 68 participants from 1st-year MBBS students enrolled in the study of those 4 were excluded as two males showed systemic BP of >140/80 and we have excluded two females to maintain an equal male and female ratio. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 64 healthy subjects were first divided into caffeine and placebo groups. One cup of coffee and a placebo drink were administered orally to 64 healthy, normotensive adults, and BP (systolic BP [SBP], diastolic BP [DBP]) and HR were observed. Results: Administration of caffeine shows increased systolic and DBP from 0 to 30 min after coffee intake was significantly higher in the caffeine group than in the placebo group. The mean SBP, DBP at 90 min in the caffeine group was compared to the mean SBP, DBP at 90 min in the placebo group. The mean difference in both was statistically significant with a P < 0.001. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the ingestion of a single cup of caffeinated coffee may elicit a significant increase in both systolic and DBP, as well as in HR, among young, healthy, and sporadic coffee consumers. Notably, such a rise in physiological parameters may interfere with the accuracy of BP measurements taken in the few hours following coffee intake, especially in individuals who consume coffee on an occasional basis.