The combination of exam stress and caffeine caused additive increases in blood pressure (+9/5 mm Hg in low-risk and +10/6 mm Hg in high-risk men; P<0.05).
RCT (n=31)
Double-blind
randomized
Does caffeine consumption combined with stress increase blood pressure and cortisol secretion in male medical students at risk for hypertension?
The combination of caffeine and mental stress produces additive increases in blood pressure, pushing nearly half of high-risk individuals into hypertensive ranges during high-stress periods.
p-value: p=< .05
The effects of caffeine on blood pressure (BP) and cortisol secretion were examined during elevated work stress in medical students at high versus low risk for hypertension. Among 31 male medical students who were regular consumers of caffeine, 20 were considered at low risk for hypertension (negative parental history and all screening BP or = 140 mm Hg. This combined effect of stress and caffeine on BP suggests that it may be beneficial for individuals at high risk for hypertension to refrain from the use of caffeinated beverages, particularly at times when work demands and attendant stressors are high. For the same reasons, recent intake of caffeine should be controlled in patients undergoing BP measurement for the diagnosis of hypertension.
Shepard et al. (Mon,) conducted a rct in Risk for hypertension (n=31). Caffeine vs. Without caffeine was evaluated on Cortisol levels and ambulatory blood pressure (p=< .05). The combination of exam stress and caffeine caused additive increases in blood pressure (+9/5 mm Hg in low-risk and +10/6 mm Hg in high-risk men; P<0.05).