Is Coffee Good for High BP?Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood on the walls of your arteries as it flows. When this force is consistently higher than normal, the condition is referred to as high blood pressure or hypertension. Your blood pressure depends on the amount of blood your heart pumps and the resistance to blood flow in the arteries. Regular coffee drinkers have a higher average blood pressure when compared to those who do not consume coffee regularly. This is attributed to the caffeine content in coffee. Caffeine and blood pressure are connected. It is known to cause a temporary but significant increase in your blood pressure. If you are someone with high blood pressure, make sure you keep a check on your coffee consumption.
How Can Coffee Impact Your Blood Pressure?You may experience a spike in your blood pressure 30 minutes to 1 hour after the consumption of a caffeinated beverage such as coffee. This change in your blood pressure is temporary and your blood pressure will return to normal within 3 to 4 hours. The caffeine in coffee has a vasoconstrictor effect. Vasoconstriction is when your blood vessels tighten and become narrow. This increases the resistance to blood flow and raises your blood pressure. Caffeine also stimulates your adrenal glands to release adrenaline. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a stress hormone, which increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Is it Necessary to Avoid Coffee in High Blood Pressure?Though the caffeine in coffee causes a temporary increase in your blood pressure, studies have shown that a moderate intake of caffeine is safe for people with hypertension. Also, regular consumption of coffee or other caffeinated beverages does not put non-hypertensive people at risk of hypertension. Is it Good to Consume Coffee in Low BP?If you have low blood pressure, drinking coffee can temporarily elevate your blood pressure. Though caffeinated beverages such as coffee do not cause any long-term changes, it can lead to a short-term increase in your blood pressure that can last for 3 to 4 hours. It can be an effective solution to a rapid drop in your blood pressure. The higher the caffeine content, the greater will be the effect on your blood pressure. Which is the Best Time to Consume Coffee With High Blood Pressure?To reap the benefits of coffee, you can drink it either during mid-morning or 30 to 60 minutes before your workout. Your cortisol (a steroid hormone) levels are high during early mornings and drinking coffee during this time can peak its levels further causing various health problems such as an increase in your heart rate. You can choose a time between 9 to 11:30 am for your morning coffee, when your cortisol levels are much lower. Having a cup of coffee 30 to 60 minutes before your workout can improve your performance. How Much Coffee Can be Consumed in a Day With High Blood Pressure?With high blood pressure, you can limit yourself to 2 to 3 cups of coffee in a day. Having more than 4 cups of coffee in a day may lead to unwanted effects such as an increase in your heart rate, anxiety, and problems with digestion. Are There Any Alternatives to Coffee?It’s not easy or desirable for everyone to avoid or limit their daily dose of a hot beverage. Here are some alternatives to coffee that can give you a similar energy boost: Chicory Root CoffeeChicory root can be roasted, grounded, and brewed into a delicious hot beverage. It tastes very much like your regular coffee and can be a healthy distraction that you need from caffeine. Chicory root coffee also boosts your digestive system and is effective in delaying the onset of diabetes. Matcha TeaIt is a type of green tea that is made by steaming, grinding, drying, and powdering the leaves of a plant called Camellia Sinensis. It is rich in antioxidants and promotes weight loss. It is also effective in lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Ginseng TeaIt is prepared by adding licorice root and ginger root to boiling water. Boil it for 2 minutes and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes before straining the tea. It boosts your energy, sharpens your mind, and keeps you alert. Golden MilkIt is another warm beverage that is a caffeine-free substitute for coffee. It is prepared by adding turmeric to milk while heating or boiling it. You can also add aromatic spices such as cinnamon or ginger to it. This drink is not just tasty but also helps reduce inflammation and boost your digestion. Don’t Have Time To Read?
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs coffee good for low blood pressure? If you are suffering from low blood pressure, then having coffee regularly can help in raising your blood pressure. This change, however, will be temporary (lasting 3 to 4 hours) and if your blood pressure is constantly low, consult a physician immediately for further advice. Will quitting coffee lower blood pressure? Coffee can only cause a temporary spike in your blood pressure and it does not lead to any long-term changes. Therefore quitting coffee has no role in lowering your blood pressure levels. Is tea better than coffee for high blood pressure? For individuals with high blood pressure, tea would be a better option when compared to coffee as coffee contains twice the amount of caffeine than tea. Caffeine in higher concentrations can cause a spike in your blood pressure. Does cold coffee increase blood pressure? Yes! Cold or hot coffee, made with the same amount of coffee, will have equal concentrations of caffeine and can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure. Does caffeine increase blood pressure? Though the mechanism is not clear, caffeine is known to cause a short but dramatic increase in your blood pressure levels. However, caffeine does not appear to have any long-term effects on your blood pressure. (General physician, 6+ years)
An expert in obstetrics and medical emergencies, Dr. Pakhi Sharma, an alumni of Sri Devaraj Urs University of Higher Education and Research Centre, is a general physician working at Phablecare. She has 6+ years of work experience spread across gynaecology and obstetrics, family medicine, and medical emergencies at renowned hospitals and clinics. |