While studies say research on coffee and blood pressure is conflicting, it seems that how often you drink it could influence its effect on blood pressure
Coffee is among the most popular beverages around the world. Your morning cuppa not just gives you energy but also has various other long-term health benefits. But if you have high blood pressure, you may wonder, will coffee raise your blood pressure?
While studies say research on coffee and blood pressure is conflicting, it seems that how often you drink it could influence its effect on blood pressure.
How does coffee raise blood pressure levels?
According to experts, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor – it decreases the size of blood vessels and can raise blood pressure. Caffeine exerts its effects by interacting with different receptors in the brain. Experts believe that other compounds in coffee, like antioxidants, have a protective effect on blood vessels.
The benefits and risks of drinking coffee remain somewhat controversial, as the research to date is inconclusive.
What are the long-term effects of drinking coffee?
According to experts, increased coffee consumption is associated with a small decrease in hypertension. Doctors say there is around a 9 per cent reduced risk when drinking at least seven cups per day, with a 1 per cent decrease in risk for each additional cup per day.
However, those with high blood pressure levels should exercise some caution when drinking coffee, but do not need to avoid it. Studies say that 3-4 cups a day have either a neutral or beneficial effect.
When should you stop drinking coffee?
For many people, drinking coffee leads to insomnia, anxiety, or even tremors, apart from heartburn and acid reflux. Anyone who experiences these symptoms due to coffee should avoid drinking it. Also, a few regular coffee drinkers may experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches or a low mood if they suddenly stop consuming it. And so, if they wish to reduce their consumption, they should cut down the number of cups gradually.
Best alternatives to coffee
Some alternatives to coffee contain caffeine, while others are naturally caffeine-free. You can always go for:
- Chicory coffee
- Dandelion root coffee
- Rooibos tea
- Yerba mate
-
Roasted barley or grain drinks
What is high blood pressure and severe hypertension?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is consistently too high, making the heart work harder to pump blood.
Current guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology classify hypertension as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher.
