Important expert note for coffee lovers

NHS experts have issued important advice to coffee lovers who are taking medication, urging them to cut down on their caffeine intake to avoid side effects.

Beta blockers are a class of medications prescribed for high blood pressure, according to the British Heart Foundation. Also known as beta adrenergic blockers, these drugs primarily work by slowing the heart rate, which in turn reduces the pressure of blood circulating throughout the body.

Drinking coffee around the time of taking certain blood pressure medications, including the calcium channel blocker verapamil (Verelan), can temporarily interfere with the drug's blood vessel-dilating effects.

Photo: AI

High blood pressure poses significant risks because it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. This can lead to serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Beta-blockers are primarily used for a variety of heart and circulation problems. They are often recommended to control irregular heartbeats, relieve chest pain, and lower blood pressure.

People with heart valve disease, heart failure, or who have had a heart attack may also be prescribed beta-blockers. Doctors may sometimes prescribe them for anxiety.

If you like drinking coffee but are taking medication, don't ignore these things.

Specifically, the NHS recommends that people taking verapamil limit their caffeine intake (found in coffee and tea). Too much can cause side effects such as facial flushing, according to the Express .

This is a rapid reddening of the skin, usually on the face, neck and chest. It is caused by increased blood flow to these areas and is often accompanied by a feeling of warmth.

Beta blockers are medications prescribed for patients with high blood pressure.

Photo: AI

Experts at Harvard Health Medical School (USA) also advise: Drinking coffee close to the time of taking some blood pressure medications, including the calcium channel blocker verapamil (Verelan), can temporarily hinder the drug's blood vessel dilating effect, according to Express.

NHS experts also advise against eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking verapamil. This is because grapefruit can make the side effects of verapamil worse.

In addition, drinking alcohol can also affect the effects of verapamil, possibly causing blood pressure to become too low, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.