Coffee is a very commonly used drink after water that is consumed across the world. There are beneficial effects of habitual and moderate coffee intake on healthy functioning of the body. A lot of people ask “should I drink coffee if I have high blood pressure?” If I drink the coffee is it safe for my health?
Well, the answers to these questions are discussed. Evidence from several studies show that taking coffee in moderation (1 to 3 cups per day), is safe and useful in healthy persons as well as among patients with high blood pressure. Consequently, coffee limitation is not necessary for these patients, though they should exercise cautiousness.
In this article, we dive into how coffee affects blood pressure and what the evidence says on whether you should you drink coffee if you have high blood pressure? We also explain when to see a doctor and recommend some alternatives to coffee.
How does coffee influence blood pressure?
Coffee contains caffeine which can increase as well as lower blood pressure through releasing vasoconstrictive constituents. Further, this leads to vasoconstriction which means narrowing blood vessels.
On the other hand, there are coffee elements such as, chlorogenic acid that have protective effects against high blood pressure. When you form habits of consuming coffee it may affect your blood pressure through modifying the composition of the gut. Studies show that habitual coffee intake may lower your blood pressure through multiplying the level of bacteria in gut.
Should people with high blood pressure avoid coffee?
According to 2021 review, taking coffee in moderation regularly (1 to 3 cups of coffee per day) may lower your blood pressure .
Another study concludes that habitual and moderate coffee intake of around 1 to 3 cups per day probably does not raise the risk of uncontrolled blood pressure.
These current evidence shows that the it is not necessary for doctors to give patients warning that drinking coffee is a risk factor for hypertension. There is no reason for individuals to refrain from the cool effects of taking coffee. Nonetheless, caution is exercised.
In hypertensive persons, caffeine consumption results in an acute rise in blood pressure for greater than or equal to 3 hours.
Another review indicate that acute caffeine administration results in a temporarily upsurge in blood pressure among hypertensive subjects who took caffeine however not among chronic coffee drinkers.
Does decaffeinated coffee raise blood pressure?
Decaffeinated coffee is an alternative for individuals with hypertension. It contains reduced caffeine content up to 97%. A person could try substituting caffeinated coffee with decaffeinated coffee to see whether their blood pressure drops. To note, a study conclude that in adults with normal blood pressure, replacement of regular coffee by decaffeinated coffee results in a real but small fall in blood pressure .
When can one stop drinking coffee
For some people, if they drink too much caffeine, it cause health problems. They include restlessness and shakiness, insomnia, anxiety, dehydration, dizziness and dependency, headaches. Therefore, if they wish to reduce their intake, they should gradually cut back on the coffee.
The researchers of a review in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology note that some doctors recommend that people with atrial fibrillation or other illnesses involving an irregular heartbeat ought to avoid coffee. Caffeine intake of up to 300 mg per day may be harmless for patients with arrhythmia.
Coffee Substitutes
There are alternatives to coffee that contain caffeine, while others are naturally caffeine-free. People can opt for
- Chicory root coffee
- dandelion root coffee
- rooibos tea
- yerba mate
- roasted barley
When you should see a doctor
If you encounter concerning symptoms when you drink coffee, you may want to consult a doctor. If you note an increase in blood pressure should seek medical advice. To discover more on ways to lower your blood pressure on one of our articles here: https://nutritionistexpert.com/2022/08/20/discover-the-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure/
Viewpoint
Research proposes that people with high blood pressure can consume coffee as long as they are careful.
Other researchers also suggest that if you take coffee regularly you may become tolerant to the physiological effects of coffee, while those who take coffee less often they may encounter a rise in their blood pressure.
In Summary
Coffee may be fit for people with high blood pressure and may also have beneficial effects. Nevertheless, one should be watchful of their coffee tolerance limit and how their body responds to caffeine.
If you are concerned about your blood pressure visit our website and speak to our health and nutrition consultant about ways to manage your blood pressure or speak to your doctor.
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