Coffee is a familiar beverage that helps many people wake up every morning. However, many people worry that this habit may increase blood pressure, especially in those at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Caffeine in coffee can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, especially in people who don't drink it regularly. The increase can be around 5-10 mmHg and appears within 30-120 minutes after drinking, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Explaining this mechanism, Luke Laffin, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic (USA), said that caffeine can constrict blood vessels, causing the heart to work harder, thereby temporarily increasing blood pressure.
Caffeine in coffee can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, especially in people who don't drink it regularly. Photo: AI
Blood pressure only increases in the first few hours after drinking coffee
However, experts emphasize that this effect is usually not long-lasting. An analysis published on PubMed showed that caffeine may increase blood pressure in the first few hours after drinking coffee, but does not cause a long-term increase in blood pressure when used in moderation.
Notably, regular coffee drinkers tend to "adapt" to caffeine. This causes the hypertensive response to gradually decrease over time. Many studies also show that moderate coffee consumption does not increase the risk of high blood pressure in most healthy individuals, according to the Mayo Clinic.
You should limit yourself to about 1-3 cups of coffee per day
However, the amount of coffee consumed remains an important factor. Experts recommend that adults limit themselves to about 1-3 cups per day. Drinking too much, especially more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Drinking coffee in the morning may cause a slight, short-term increase in blood pressure, but it is not harmful if consumed in moderation. For individuals with hypertension or caffeine sensitivity, it is advisable to monitor their body's reaction and consult a doctor for appropriate adjustments.