Not long ago, doctors almost unanimously recommended that people with hypertension exclude this beverage. Today, the approach has changed: a strict ban on coffee for people with high blood pressure is no longer relevant.
Coffee can indeed temporarily and slightly raise blood pressure (by 5–15 mm Hg), but this effect is weaker in those who drink coffee regularly. In most people, the body adapts, and blood pressure spikes become less pronounced.
Previously, there was an opinion that coffee provokes arrhythmia; however, large studies in recent years have disproven this link. It has been shown that moderate consumption of the beverage does not increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders, and in some cases even reduces the frequency of atrial fibrillation episodes.
Numerous randomized studies confirm: caffeine found in coffee stimulates the central nervous system, enhances mental and physical performance, and reduces fatigue and drowsiness.
How many drinks can be consumed with hypertension?
"People with hypertension can drink coffee, and there is a clearly defined number of cups of coffee per day that are clearly not dangerous and may even be beneficial for individuals with hypertension, which is up to 5 cups of coffee per day (3-4 cups)," says Doctor of Medical Sciences, cardiologist Alexey Nikitin.
At the same time, each person's body is unique. Cardiologists recommend a simple test:
Measure your blood pressure before drinking coffee.
Drink a cup.
Measure your blood pressure after 30–120 minutes.
If your blood pressure rises by 5–10 units and you feel a rapid heartbeat, you may have increased sensitivity to caffeine. In this case, it is advisable to limit the beverage or discuss its consumption with a doctor.
