The Effects of Caffeine and Stress on Blood Pressure in Individuals with and without a Family History of Hypertension

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Abstract
The effects of two doses of caffeine (125 mg, 250 mg) were compared to a placebo dose (3 mg) in a randomized double‐blind cross‐over design in 36 male caffeine users, half with and half without a family history of hypertension. Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration were recorded during rest, a mental arithmetic task, and recovery periods. I inter both resting and mental stress conditions, the two doses of caffeine on the average increased systolic pressure by 6.7 mini In compared to the placebo. The effects for the 125 me and 250 mg doses did not differ significantly. The pressor effects of caffeine and mental stress combined in an additive fashion. Systolic blood pressure levels were significantly greater in individuals with a family history of hypertension across all conditions, but not specifically in response to caffeine. The results arc comparable to those previously reported in caffeine‐naive subjects.