The effects of caffeine
Caffeine is a drug that acts as a stimulant to the heart and central nervous system, and is also known to increase blood pressure in the short term, although there is no conclusive evidence of long-term effects on blood pressure.
The effects on blood pressure are most likely when caffeine is taken in excessive quantities or by highly sensitive people. In particular, people who are hypertensive (have habitual high blood pressure), are advised to avoid caffeinated drinks, while pregnant women are advised to limit their intake of caffeinated drinks to less than 300mg per day.
Coffee has been linked with a number of the risk factors for coronary heart disease, including increased blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels. However, no relationship has been found between coffee drinkers and the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease.