How Drinking Coffee Affects Your Blood Pressure & What To Do About It

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on July 4th, 2023

Coffee, the elixir of the early risers, the fuel of the night owls, and the cherished beverage of millions worldwide, continues to occupy an indispensable place in our daily routines. A stunning 19 billion pounds (or 8.6 billion kilograms) of coffee is consumed globally each year. But beyond the rejuvenating aroma and the satisfying sip, coffee brings with it a host of debated health implications, especially its influence on blood pressure.


This article aims to debunk myths and shed light on the facts, backed by scientific research, and presents a nuanced perspective on coffee’s effects on blood pressure.

blood pressure

A Note of Importance:

Before we delve into the details, it’s paramount to highlight that the influence of coffee on blood pressure isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The effect of coffee can swing widely across individuals—some might observe a significant rise in their blood pressure post-consumption, while others might notice negligible change.

A myriad of factors such as age, weight, and overall health play a role in this divergence. It’s always a wise idea to pay heed to your body’s response to caffeine and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns related to blood pressure.

Coffee and Blood Pressure

One question that often pops up in coffee-centric conversations is about its potential to increase blood pressure. Moderate coffee intake can indeed have a neutral or even beneficial impact on hypertension for some individuals. As a vasoconstrictor, caffeine has the capacity to reduce the size of blood vessels, causing a temporary spike in blood pressure. However, other compounds in coffee, like antioxidants, offer a counteracting, protective impact on blood vessels.

Quantifying the Coffee Effect

Given the widespread consumption of coffee, it’s essential to quantify its effect on blood pressure. The FDA advises adults to limit their caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to 4-5 cups of regular coffee. A comprehensive analysis of 34 studies highlighted that caffeine can raise blood pressure, especially in infrequent coffee drinkers. About 200-300 milligrams of caffeine can elevate systolic blood pressure by 8 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mm Hg for around three hours.

Long-term Implications

While it’s true that coffee may momentarily increase your blood pressure, this effect doesn’t seem to linger in the long run. For individuals with elevated blood pressure, daily coffee consumption does not significantly affect blood pressure or the overall risk of heart disease.

The Health Benefits Coffee Offers

Surprisingly, coffee isn’t merely about caffeine. It harbors several bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant effects that can curb oxidative stress in your body. Daily consumption of 3-5 cups of coffee is linked with a 15% reduction in heart disease risk and a lower risk of premature death for healthy individuals. So, regular coffee consumption might have health benefits that outweigh the transient negative effects of caffeine.

So, Coffee Consumption with High Blood Pressure equals to?

heart illustration

Even for those diagnosed with high blood pressure, moderate coffee consumption is unlikely to significantly impact the risk of heart disease. Prolonged caffeine consumption, however, is not recommended. If you’re new to the world of coffee or have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s better to keep a check on your blood pressure and gradually incorporate coffee into your routine.

Decaf Coffee – A Solution?

Decaffeinated coffee is a viable alternative for those who are worried about the potential blood pressure implications of caffeine. Though switching to decaf may not result in a significant drop in blood pressure, it can certainly provide the rich experience of coffee without the caffeine-related concerns.

When to Reconsider Coffee Consumption

While the benefits of coffee are significant, it might not suit everyone. Those experiencing symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, tremors, or acid reflux related to coffee consumption should reconsider their coffee intake. Also, if a clear link exists between episodes of irregular heartbeat and coffee, it is best to abstain.

Coffee Alternatives

Not all hope is lost if coffee doesn’t agree with your health. A variety of caffeine-free coffee substitutes like roasted barley drinks, chicory coffee, dandelion root coffee, rooibos tea, and yerba mate can provide a delightful change.

Quitting Coffee: If You Have High Blood Pressure

Coffee’s temporary blood pressure-boosting effect is undeniable. Therefore, quitting caffeine might eliminate these short-term blood pressure spikes and associated risks.

Wrapping Up

While the debate around coffee continues to brew, it’s clear that coffee, when consumed in moderation, may not pose a significant threat to blood pressure or heart health. In fact, with its rich antioxidant content, coffee can potentially enhance heart health. The key is mindful consumption and paying attention to your body’s responses. So, as you savor your next cup of joe, remember that it’s not just about the caffeine kick, but a complex interplay of health benefits and temporary effects. Drink responsibly, stay healthy!

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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.