A new study has found that drinking two or more cups of coffee a day may double the risk of dying from heart disease for people who have severe high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure is defined as a reading of 160/100 mm Hg or higher.
Interestingly, the study also found that drinking just one cup of coffee a day or drinking green tea did not increase the risk of heart-related death. This suggests that the amount of caffeine and the type of drink both play important roles in heart health.
Many past studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation—about one cup a day—can have some health benefits. It may help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even depression.
Coffee can also improve alertness and help with appetite control. But when people drink too much coffee, it can raise blood pressure, make them anxious, cause heart palpitations, and interfere with sleep.
These problems are even more serious for people who already have very high blood pressure, because their hearts and blood vessels are already under stress.
This study, led by Dr. Hiroyasu Iso and his team, looked at health data from more than 18,500 people aged 40 to 79. Of these participants, over 6,500 were men and more than 12,000 were women. The researchers sorted the participants into five groups based on their blood pressure levels. Grades 2 and 3 were considered severe hypertension.
They found that people with severe high blood pressure who drank two or more cups of coffee a day had twice the risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who didn’t drink coffee at all. On the other hand, green tea did not increase the risk of heart-related death, no matter how high the person’s blood pressure was.
The researchers believe that green tea may be safer because it contains polyphenols—natural plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help protect the heart and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
If you have high blood pressure, there are several ways you can protect your heart and stay healthy.
First, it’s important to check your blood pressure regularly. Keeping track of your numbers can help you know if your condition is getting better or worse.
Second, always follow your doctor’s advice and take any medications as prescribed. Stopping your medicine suddenly can be dangerous and raise your risk of heart problems.
Next, try to eat a healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Try to cut down on salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Exercise is also very helpful. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week—like walking, biking, or swimming.
Managing stress is also key. Stress can raise blood pressure, so find ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Also, try to limit alcohol to no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.
Lastly, think about cutting back on coffee if your blood pressure is very high. While coffee can be healthy for many people, those with severe hypertension may be better off choosing green tea or other caffeine-free drinks.
This study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It shows how important it is to make smart choices based on your own health needs. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about what to eat and to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the connection between potato and high blood pressure, and how to eat your way to healthy blood pressure.
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