Drinking coffee has become a lifestyle for many people around the world. Not only does it help fight drowsiness, but it also enhances concentration, making it a favorite among workers. However, despite its many benefits, not everyone is advised to consume coffee, especially those with high blood pressure. Why is that?

Effects of Coffee on Blood Pressure

A person is considered to have high blood pressure if their systolic pressure (the top number) is 140 mmHg or higher and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is 90 mmHg or higher. Individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure) need to monitor their blood pressure to avoid complications such as heart attacks or strokes.

According to a study cited by Healthline, drinking coffee can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure after consumption. This rise occurs in all groups, including those with hypertension and those without.

The exact cause of this increase is not fully understood, but some experts believe that caffeine in coffee may block hormones that keep blood vessels dilated. Other opinions suggest that caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands (small glands above the kidneys that release hormones like adrenaline), resulting in elevated blood pressure.

However, if you regularly consume coffee, your body may develop a tolerance to caffeine, meaning your blood pressure may not rise significantly after drinking coffee. Individuals who infrequently drink coffee are more likely to experience a moderate to significant increase in blood pressure.

Is Coffee Safe for Those with High Blood Pressure?

There is no specific rule that prohibits individuals with hypertension from drinking coffee. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have high blood pressure, it's best to consult your doctor about whether or not you should consume coffee.

The effects of caffeine can vary significantly among individuals, including those with high blood pressure. If you are caffeine-sensitive (meaning you feel stronger effects from caffeine, like a rise in blood pressure, even from small amounts) and find that your blood pressure spikes easily with caffeine intake, your doctor may advise against drinking coffee.

Doctors may also recommend avoiding coffee intake when your blood pressure is unstable or if you have other health issues that affect fluid circulation and blood pressure.

If you have a high caffeine tolerance and daily caffeine intake does not affect your blood pressure, your doctor may permit you to drink coffee daily. To assess this, you can check your blood pressure before and after consuming coffee.

After drinking coffee, measure your blood pressure again about 30-120 minutes later. If you notice an increase of up to 10 points, it may indicate caffeine sensitivity. If this is the case, your doctor will likely recommend limiting caffeine intake.

How Much Coffee is Safe to Take?

To determine a safe coffee dose for your body, consult with your doctor. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a safe daily caffeine dose is 400 milligrams. However, if you have high blood pressure, it may be wise to limit caffeine intake to about 200 milligrams per day, which is roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee.

It's important to note that caffeine is not only found in coffee but also in other beverages such as tea and energy drinks. The type of coffee and preparation method can also affect its caffeine content. Therefore, if you have hypertension but still want to enjoy coffee, consider choosing decaffeinated options.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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