
A morning cup of coffee is a daily ritual for countless individuals, and numerous studies have linked moderate coffee consumption to potential health perks.
However, new research indicates that drinking two or more cups daily could pose risks for people with very high blood pressure.
The study found that individuals with blood pressure at or above 160/100 mm Hg who consumed at least two cups of coffee each day had about double the risk of cardiovascular death compared to those in the same blood pressure range who didn’t drink coffee.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, makes the heart and blood vessels work harder than normal. Over time, this can damage arteries and organs, significantly raising the chances of a heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular issues.
Coffee’s relationship with heart health is complex. It contains caffeine, which can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure and increase heart rate in certain individuals. At the same time, coffee is rich in plant compounds that may offer health benefits.
Earlier studies have linked moderate coffee intake to lower risks of several chronic illnesses. Some research even suggests that coffee might improve survival rates after a heart attack.
The latest findings imply that coffee’s effects might depend on an individual’s existing health conditions. For those with extremely high blood pressure, the stimulating effects of caffeine could be more pronounced and potentially harmful.
This research analyzed data from over 18,000 adults in Japan, including more than 6,500 men and over 12,000 women, aged between 40 and 79. Participants shared details about their coffee and green tea consumption.
The researchers categorized participants according to their blood pressure levels and tracked health outcomes over time, focusing on deaths from cardiovascular diseases, which involve the heart and blood vessels.
Among those with severe hypertension, drinking two or more cups of coffee daily was linked to approximately twice the risk of cardiovascular death. Interestingly, consuming just one cup per day did not increase this risk, even in people with high blood pressure.
Green tea exhibited a different pattern. Consuming green tea regularly was not associated with heightened cardiovascular risk across any blood pressure category, despite also containing caffeine.
One possible reason is that green tea is high in polyphenols—natural plant compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the study didn’t establish that these compounds directly caused the differences observed between coffee and tea.
It’s important to note that the study was observational, meaning researchers identified patterns based on habits and health outcomes without assigning specific caffeine levels to participants. Therefore, causation cannot be confirmed.
Individuals with very high blood pressure shouldn’t necessarily eliminate coffee based solely on these findings. Still, those who drink several cups daily should consult with their healthcare provider—particularly if their blood pressure remains uncontrolled.
Controlling hypertension remains crucial for heart health. Strategies such as taking prescribed medication, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and monitoring blood pressure are key steps to lowering cardiovascular risks.
This research, led by Hiroyasu Iso, was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It highlights that when it comes to coffee, a person’s blood pressure might be just as important as how much they drink.
If managing high blood pressure is a concern for you, consider reading about breakfast options that help regulate blood pressure and the gut feelings that may assist in lowering it.
For additional insights, explore recent studies on how the DASH diet can reduce blood pressure and tips on foods that promote healthy blood pressure levels.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.





