Coffee and Blood Pressure

For many people, it is simply part of the morning routine a cup of coffee. However, not only in the morning, but also throughout the day, the black pick-me-up is enjoyed. Regarding its effect on blood pressure, there is often some uncertainty about whether coffee does not increase it and whether people with existing hypertension should rather refrain from it.

Studies have shown that coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure. This is especially true for people who are not accustomed to caffeine. In regular coffee drinkers, however, the black hot beverage has little to no effect on blood pressure. It is important to know that, whether coffee drinker or not, blood pressure only rises temporarily. A habituation effect can be observed after about two weeks of regular coffee consumption: the increase in blood pressure either did not occur or decreased.
This is supported by a long-term study published in 2024. In this study, the blood pressure of about 1500 participants, some coffee drinkers and some who do not or only rarely drink coffee, was observed over 10 years. The reassuring result for coffee drinkers is that blood pressure measurements did not differ from those of non or rare coffee drinkers. No significant increase in the occurrence of hypertension was found among coffee drinkers. Thus, coffee does not seem to affect blood pressure when consumed habitually.

Regarding the question of the "allowed" amount, the German Heart Foundation recommends 4-5 cups of coffee daily, which corresponds to a maximum caffeine amount of 400 mg. However, this amount should not be consumed all at once. It refers rather to the total amount that can be consumed in a day. At one time, such as during breakfast or in the afternoon, no more than 200 mg of caffeine should be consumed, which corresponds to about 2 cups of coffee.

This, of course, only applies to those who can tolerate coffee. Because regardless of its effect on blood pressure, individual reactions can spoil the enjoyment if, for example, palpitations or stomach problems occur after a cup of coffee.

For those who do not experience unpleasant symptoms after a cup of coffee, meaning they can tolerate it, moderate (!) coffee consumption could even have positive effects on the cardiovascular system. Various studies have found evidence for this. For example, the antioxidants contained in coffee can be beneficial to health.

Caffeine, by the way, is not only found in coffee. Black or green tea and even dark chocolate also contain the stimulating substance. It is also well known that it is present in cola and energy drinks (see our article on blood pressure and Energy Drinks). If corresponding products are consumed alongside coffee, these will naturally also count towards the daily total caffeine intake and must be taken into account.

In conclusion, coffee is not as harmful to health as it was long believed. On the contrary, it even has positive properties that are beneficial to health. As with so many things, however, the dose makes the poison. Those who wish to drink coffee regularly and moderately can do so with peace of mind, even if they have high blood pressure.

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By Sabine Croci. This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (08/2024).
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Coffee and Blood Pressure

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