You may believe there’s a link between drinking coffee and your blood pressure level. Research indicates the connection exists and that caffeine may help more than it hinders.
A 2017 research review notes that drinking coffee is generally safe and may offer certain health benefits for some people.
An important exception is people with chronic high blood pressure. Drinking too much caffeine regularly may affect their cardiovascular health.
This article will discuss the effects of coffee consumption on your health and when it might be a good idea to avoid it.
How long does coffee affect blood pressure?
The body absorbs caffeine about 30–45 minutes after ingestion. It stays in the body for about 6 hours after that.
Every person has different reactions to caffeine. Eating patterns, genetics, overall health, and nicotine use may also determine how it affects blood pressure.
A 2023 study on healthy adult participants notes that waiting 6 hours after consuming caffeine is enough time to check its effects on the cardiovascular system and blood pressure.
Can you prevent high blood pressure and drink coffee?
If you have severe hypertension, defined in a 2022 study as a blood pressure of 160 over 100 or higher, you can lower your chances of heart disease by reducing caffeine intake.
The study indicated that participants with severe hypertension who had more than 2 cups of coffee per day had twice the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease. The chance was not as high for participants who had 1 cup of coffee per day and also lived with severe hypertension.
Switching from coffee to green tea may also help heart health. There is caffeine in green tea, but people who drink it do not show the same complications as people who drink coffee.
If you do not have high blood pressure or have stage 1 hypertension, defined as blood pressure that is 159/99 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or lower, drinking caffeine over time may decrease blood pressure.
When should you avoid coffee?
You may want to avoid coffee if you are taking certain medications. Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs work differently if taken with coffee.
For example, the body doesn’t metabolize the blood pressure medication verapamil (Calan SR, Verelan) very well if you take it with coffee.
Because caffeine and medication interactions depend on many factors, do not hesitate to discuss with your healthcare professional whether you should avoid caffeine while taking specific drugs.
If you have experienced other cardiovascular symptoms, you may also need to avoid coffee.
A 2018 study suggests that avoiding coffee altogether may be indicated for people with heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) that worsen within hours of drinking caffeine.
If you have severe hypertension and want to stop drinking coffee, you may want to cut back gradually to avoid the effects of caffeine withdrawal.
What lifestyle measures can you take to prevent high blood pressure?
Reducing your coffee intake may help you manage high blood pressure. Consider consuming fewer caffeinated beverages, such as black tea and soda. You can also balance these drinks with water to ensure good hydration.
Other tips to prevent hypertension include:
- preferring low sodium meals
- eating a low fat, fiber-rich diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- limiting alcohol consumption, if applicable
- managing your weight
- exercising regularly
- avoiding tobacco, if applicable
You may also want to track your blood pressure at the same time every day using a home monitor. This can help you and your doctor determine whether you might benefit from blood pressure medications. These may include:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors:
- beta-blockers:
- acebutolol
- labetalol (Trandate)
- metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor)
- calcium channel blockers:
- felodipine
- levamlodipine (Conjupri)
- verapamil (Calan SR, Verelan)
- diuretics:
- chlorthalidone
- hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- torsemide (Demadex)
Blood pressure medications may cause some side effects and interact with other drugs. Some should not be taken with caffeine. Consider discussing the pros and cons with your healthcare professional.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
