The Correlation between Caffeine Intake and the Risk of Hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a common chronic disease. It can aggravate the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, etc., affecting people's health. Caffeine is a natural ingredient in many foods and beverages, which is more prevalent in people's daily intake. It is thought to have a possible effect on blood pressure. However, there is still controversy regarding the relationship between caffeine intake and risk of hypertension. Therefore, an in-depth study of the effects of caffeine on hypertension can help people develop sound dietary advice and strategies to prevent hypertension. Methods: 5153 participants from NHANES were included in the study. Measure blood pressure and identify hypertensive patients. Participants' dietary data were then collected via 24-hour food recall and food frequency questionnaires. Caffeine intake data were collected in the MEC dietary interview room. Considering covariates such as BMI, smoking status, alcohol intake and dietary salt intake. Analyzed using linear regression, non-linear regression and logistic regression. Results: A nonlinear relationship was shown between caffeine intake and systolic and diastolic pressure (Systolic blood pressure: p-value < 0.01; Diastolic blood pressure: p-value < 0.05). In the nonlinear relationship, a U-shaped curve and an inverted U-shaped curve were found by restrictive cubic spline models. A logistic regression also proved in this study that caffeine intake has a significant impact to the risk of hypertension (p-value < 0.01). Caffeine intake had no significant effect on blood pressure in menopausal women (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows U-shaped and inversed U-shaped association between caffeine intake and systolic and diastolic pressure. We also show that caffeine intake has positive affect the probability of getting hypertension.