Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood as it pushes against the walls of arteries—blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart and to other parts of the body. When blood flows through the arteries at an abnormally high rate of pressure, hypertension (high blood pressure) can develop. If blood pressure remains elevated over time, it can raise the risk of heart attack, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
Research has found that caffeine, the bitter stimulating substance found in coffee and some types of tea, may cause blood pressure to rise temporarily, especially in people who don’t frequently consume caffeine. However, other research shows that moderate, regular consumption of coffee does not have a negative effect on blood pressure.
Several factors can influence how coffee affects blood pressure, including the amount of caffeine consumed and certain lifestyle habits.
Occasional, infrequent consumption of caffeine has been associated with increased blood pressure and a higher risk of hypertension. However, minimal effects on blood pressure can occur when caffeine is consumed frequently.
Research shows that moderate, regular consumption of coffee (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.
The exact mechanisms behind why frequent caffeine intake has no effect are still being studied. However, several studies show there is little to no risk to blood pressure if caffeine and coffee are consumed in moderation.
Caffeine is not harmful to your overall health when consumed in moderation, but there are some risks to be aware of. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends consuming no more than 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day, equivalent to about 4 or 5 cups of coffee. This amount is not associated with dangerous or negative health effects.
Consuming more than the recommended amount 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
Stick to the recommended daily amount of under 400 mg of caffeine to lower your chances of experiencing side effects.
While most people can safely consume caffeine, some may need to limit or avoid it altogether. This includes pregnant people and people who are sensitive to caffeine’s effects.
People who are pregnant need to limit their caffeine intake, as 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 per day, or about 1-2 small cups of coffee per day.
Also, some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and are more likely to experience side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, and headaches. People who are overly sensitive to caffeine should avoid caffeinated beverages or drink lower amounts.
Other people who should avoid caffeine include people with arrhythmia (an abnormality in heart beat and rhythm), people with stomach ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), people with severe hypertension, and people who take certain medications or supplements, including asthma medications, certain types of antibiotics, and heart medications.
Speak to your healthcare provider about whether any medications you take may interact with caffeine.
When consumed in moderation (1-3 cups per day), coffee is associated with a decreased risk of heart failure and a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. Researchers note that no conclusive link between coffee and coronary heart disease risk has been consistently identified, so further study is needed.
There is generally no harm in enjoying coffee in moderation, as it could help improve heart health and protect against disease.
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 any 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 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 provider 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 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 provider 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, consuming moderate amounts of caffeine in coffee does not harm overall health or negatively affect blood pressure levels. Moderate coffee intake may also help reduce the risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease.
Studies show that moderate coffee consumption (and caffeine in general) does not affect the risk of hypertension in most people. Enjoying 1-3 cups of coffee daily can help you reap the beneficial effects of coffee associated with heart health and blood pressure management.