Many people enjoy starting their day with a cup of coffee, and for most, it’s a healthy habit. But new research shows that drinking too much coffee could be dangerous—especially for people with very high blood pressure.
A recent study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee each day may double the risk of dying from heart disease in people with severe high blood pressure. This condition is defined as a blood pressure reading of 160/100 mm Hg or higher.
The research, led by Dr. Hiroyasu Iso, included over 18,500 adults between the ages of 40 and 79. The team looked at how coffee and green tea affected people with different levels of blood pressure.
They found that those with severe high blood pressure who drank two or more cups of coffee daily had twice the risk of dying from heart problems compared to those who didn’t drink coffee.
Interestingly, drinking just one cup of coffee per day did not raise the risk. Even more surprising, green tea—another drink that contains caffeine—was not linked to any increase in heart-related deaths, no matter how much people drank or how high their blood pressure was.
So why is coffee risky while green tea is not? One possible reason is that green tea contains healthy plant compounds called polyphenols. These substances have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help protect the heart.
In contrast, too much coffee can raise blood pressure, make people feel anxious, cause irregular heartbeats, and interfere with sleep. These problems can be especially dangerous for people whose blood pressure is already very high.
In small amounts, coffee may still offer benefits. Previous research has shown that one cup of coffee a day may lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even depression. But for people with severe hypertension, the risks of drinking a lot of coffee might outweigh the benefits.
If you have high blood pressure, here are a few things you can do to protect your heart:
Check your blood pressure regularly so you can track your health and notice any changes. If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it exactly as told—don’t skip doses. Eating a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also help. Avoid too much salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Staying active is important too. Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, like walking, biking, or swimming. Managing stress through deep breathing or meditation and quitting smoking can also make a big difference. And if you drink alcohol, keep it in moderation.
Finally, think about how much coffee you drink. If you have severe high blood pressure, cutting back might be a smart move. You might consider switching to green tea or other non-caffeinated drinks.
This study reminds us that health advice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Even healthy habits like drinking coffee might not be safe for everyone.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association and offers helpful guidance for people living with high blood pressure. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have a medical condition.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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