What effect do caffeine and smoking have on blood pressure?

Caffeine and smoking both lead to an increase in blood pressure due to their stimulatory effects on the cardiovascular system. Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure by blocking adenosine receptors, which normally promote relaxation and dilation of blood vessels. This blockage results in increased heart rate and vascular constriction, contributing to elevated blood pressure levels.

Similarly, smoking introduces nicotine into the bloodstream, which also stimulates the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and blood vessel constriction. The thermal and chemical irritants present in cigarette smoke can cause chronic inflammation in blood vessels, further promoting hypertension.

Both substances can lead to temporary and, with prolonged exposure, chronic elevations in blood pressure, making this answer accurate in the context of how they affect the cardiovascular system.