A recent study has revealed that drinking two or more cups of coffee per day may double the risk of death from heart disease for individuals with severe high blood pressure.
Severe high blood pressure is defined as a reading of 160/100 mm Hg or higher.
Interestingly, the same study found that drinking just one cup of coffee or consuming green tea daily did not raise the risk of heart disease-related death, even though both beverages contain caffeine.
This research sheds light on the complex relationship between caffeine and heart health, particularly for people with high blood pressure. Previous studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption—about one cup a day—might actually offer some health benefits.
For example, it may lower the risk of death after a heart attack, reduce the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals, and even decrease the risk of chronic diseases. Coffee is also known to improve alertness, help control appetite, and reduce the risk of depression.
However, excessive coffee consumption can have negative effects. Drinking too much coffee can increase blood pressure, cause anxiety, lead to heart palpitations, and interfere with sleep.
These potential risks are especially concerning for individuals with severe hypertension, as their cardiovascular systems are already under significant strain.
The study, led by Hiroyasu Iso and his team, examined data from over 18,500 participants aged 40 to 79 years. Among these participants, more than 6,570 were men, and over 12,000 were women.
Researchers categorized blood pressure into five levels, with grades 2 and 3 classified as severe hypertension. They discovered that people with severe high blood pressure who drank two or more cups of coffee daily had twice the risk of dying from heart disease compared to non-coffee drinkers.
In contrast, green tea did not show any increased risk of heart-related death, regardless of blood pressure levels.
Green tea’s health benefits are likely due to polyphenols—plant-based compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances may help protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions.
How to Protect Your Heart with High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that increases the risk of heart disease and other serious health problems. To safeguard your heart health, consider the following steps:
Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly
Check your blood pressure often, especially if you have hypertension. Regular monitoring helps you stay informed about your condition and take timely action if levels rise.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice on Medication
If you’re prescribed medication to control blood pressure, take it exactly as directed. Skipping doses or stopping medication can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart issues.
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet
Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats to support blood pressure management and overall heart health.
Exercise Regularly
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure and improves heart function.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to keep stress levels in check.
Quit Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take to protect your heart.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive drinking can increase blood pressure. Stick to moderate alcohol consumption—no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Reassess Your Coffee Habits
If you have severe high blood pressure, consider reducing your coffee intake. Even though coffee has some health benefits, its risks may outweigh its rewards for those with advanced hypertension.
This study highlights the importance of tailoring dietary and lifestyle choices to individual health needs, particularly for people with high blood pressure. For those who love coffee but have severe hypertension, switching to green tea or other caffeine-free options may be a safer choice.
The findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and provide valuable insights for managing hypertension and promoting heart health. As always, consult your doctor to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific health goals.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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