Is it bad for seniors on hypertensive medication to drink caffeinated drinks?

Answer 1

I think it would be well worth the while of the people who are on these types of meds to switch over to decaffeinated anything. The trouble is the caffein we get in so many "innocent" products...

WHAT PRODUCTS CONTAIN CAFFEINE AND HOW MUCH?
Milligrams of Caffeine

Item.....Typical.....Range

Coffee (8-oz. cup)
Brewed, drip method...85...65-120
Instant 75 60-85
Decaffeinated 3 2-4
Espresso (1 oz. cup) 40 30-50

Teas (8-oz. cup)
Brewed, major U.S. brands 40 20-90
Brewed, imported brands 60 25-110
Instant 28 24-31
Iced (8-oz. glass) 25 9-50
Some soft drinks (8 oz.) 24 20-40
Cocoa beverage (8 oz.) 6 3-32
Chocolate milk beverage (8 oz.) 5 2-7
Milk chocolate (1 oz.) 6 1-15
Dark chocolate, semi-sweet (1 oz.) 20 5-35
Baker's chocolate (1 oz.) 26 26
Chocolate-flavored syrup (1 oz.) 4 4

Also this....

http://www.energyfiend.com/caffeine-in-candy

which also has a link to caffeine in foods.

Answer 2

I totally agree with Iritadragon, there's just too much "hidden" caffeine in what we use. It's a constant reading of labels (many of us do it by instinct). And then, you really don't know how much you're getting unless you look it up.

Yes, I do believe that it is not good for persons with heart problems to drink it, however, my Mom was on hypertensive medicine all of her adult life and not once did her physicians tell her not to drink coffee. In fact, she had it every time she was in the hospital and it was not decaf. With the new discoveries that have been made since her demise, I do believe that they probably would at least put her on decaf today.

Answer 3

To be absolutely accurate,
caffeine will increase B/P in
anyone. To split hairs, we must know how much caffeine and how much does it increase the B/P?
I would say if the person
is not extremely hypertensive
then a couple cups of coffee
won't hurt.
I would stop all sodas and
flavored drinks for other reasons tho, and that is that
they pull phosphorus from the
bones. I have not had a
phony sugar drink in my body
for at least 50 years. I know:
ya ya ya so what? Well,
when your bones start to
get brittle, you will know.

Answer 4

A cup or two of coffee in the morning is fine. If you drink coffee all day, might want to reconsider. A lot of caffeine isn't good for anyone.
Be really careful of the over the counter medications, especially the ones for colds, flu. They can significantly raise your blood pressure!

Answer 5

There is no one answer that will work for everyone. Most sources I've seen recommend that anyone with hypertension (high blood pressure) should limit their caffeine intake. It's really best for each person taking medicines to treat high blood pressure to discuss caffeine with their own doctor.

Answer 6

Ask a doctor. I can't drink any with caffeine cause I'm on medication for a heart problem. I was told by my doctor that caffeine makes the heart beat faster and that is why I can't have it.

Answer 7

yes, it is bad for seniors or younger people on that kind of med to drink caffeinated anything. I have gone completely decaf. Hubby also has major heart problems and his cardiologist told him no caffeine since it speeds up the heart.

Answer 8

A limited amount is fine. Like a 12 oz cup of coffee, or one soda a day. I would ask your doctor or pharmacist. I am basing this answer on a few people I know on heart medications and what their doctors told them is OK.

Answer 9

Yes, because caffeine constricts blood vessels immediately and will interefere with the meds designed to protect the weakend vessels.

Answer 10

I wouldnt say bad as in it will kill you but it helps to counteract what the meds are trying to do. They also have to be careful about taking over the counter allergy pills because they too can counteract high blood pressure meds.