Research has found that caffeine, the bitter stimulating substance found in coffee and some types of tea, may temporarily increase blood pressure, especially in people who don’t frequently consume caffeine. However, other research shows that moderate, regular consumption of coffee does not negatively affect blood pressure.
Several factors can influence how coffee affects blood pressure, including the amount of caffeine consumed and certain lifestyle habits.
- Occasional, infrequent coffee consumption: Associated with increased blood pressure and a higher risk of hypertension.
- Moderate, regular coffee consumption (1-3 cups per day): Does not negatively affect blood pressure or change the risk of hypertension in most people, particularly among women and people who don’t smoke.
Several studies show there is little to no risk to blood pressure if caffeine and coffee are consumed in moderation. The exact mechanisms behind why habitual caffeine intake has no effect are still being researched.
Caffeine is not harmful to your overall health when consumed in moderation. However, consuming more than 400 milligrams daily may increase your risk of side effects. People who do not regularly consume caffeine are also more likely to experience side effects when they do consume caffeine.
Potential risks and side effects include:
- Fast heart rate
- Anxiety
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tremors (shaking)
- Increased urination
- Restlessness
While most people can safely consume caffeine, some may need to limit or avoid it altogether. This includes:
- Pregnant people: Caffeine can pass through the placenta (a temporary organ that forms inside the uterus during pregnancy) to the fetus. During pregnancy, it is recommended to limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg daily, or about 1-2 small cups of coffee.
- People who are sensitive to caffeine: This group is more likely to experience side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, and headaches.
- People with arrhythmia (an abnormality in heartbeat and rhythm).
- People with stomach ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- People with severe hypertension.
- People who take certain medications or supplements, including asthma medications, certain types of antibiotics, and heart medications. Speak to your doctor about whether any medications you take may interact with caffeine.
There is generally no harm in enjoying coffee in moderation (1-3 cups per day). It may even help improve heart health and protect against disease.
Moderate coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of heart failure and a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Researchers note that no conclusive link between coffee and coronary heart disease risk has been consistently identified, so further study is needed.
There are several scientifically backed ways to manage blood pressure. Try the following lifestyle and diet tips to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level:
- Get enough sleep.
- Drink your coffee black, without added sugar or milk.
- Drink tea. Research shows that caffeinated green and black tea may improve blood pressure and cholesterol, both risk factors for heart disease. Some studies have found that the blood pressure-lowering effects of tea are more noticeable in green tea than in black tea.
- Manage your stress levels by making time for relaxing activities like yoga, breathwork, or meditation.
- Eat a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit sodium (salt).
- Increase the amount of potassium—found in foods such as bananas, apricots, and lentils—in your diet.
- Avoid smoking.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- Exercise regularly.
If you are experiencing high blood pressure from caffeine intake and making lifestyle or dietary changes has not resulted in any improvement, see a healthcare provider. Your doctor can work with you to develop a treatment plan. They may prescribe medications to help lower and manage high blood pressure, if necessary. These may include:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): ACE and ARB inhibitors relax and widen blood vessels to allow more blood to flow through the blood vessels with less pressure.
- Diuretics: Often used alongside other high blood pressure medications, diuretics flush out excess water and sodium from the body, which lowers the amount of fluid in your blood.
- Beta-blockers: Often used as a backup option to other medications for high blood pressure, beta-blockers lower blood pressure by lowering your heart rate, allowing your heart to pump less blood through the blood vessels.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of blood and heart vessels, which relaxes blood vessels.
Your doctor may prescribe two or more medications for blood pressure management. In addition to taking your medications, it’s important to maintain heart-healthy lifestyle habits to keep blood pressure under control.
Caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee, can temporarily raise blood pressure. However, regularly consuming moderate amounts of caffeine in coffee does not harm overall health or negatively affect blood pressure levels.
Studies show that moderate coffee consumption (1-3 cups daily) does not affect the risk of hypertension in most people. It may even help reduce the risk of heart failure and death from cardiovascular disease.
