Coffee consumption and heart health risks for high blood pressure

New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that coffee consumption may pose risks for individuals with severe hypertension. A study of over 18,000 adults in Japan found that those with blood pressure readings of 160/100 mm Hg or higher who consumed two or more cups of coffee daily had approximately double the risk of death from heart and blood vessel disease compared to non-coffee drinkers. Notably, drinking only one cup per day was not linked to increased risk at any blood pressure level.

General health guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the British Heart Foundation suggest that up to 400mg of caffeine—roughly five 240ml cups of coffee—is generally safe for most adults and may even be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart failure and stroke. However, experts warn that high doses of caffeine, particularly from energy drinks, can increase the risk of arrhythmia and high blood pressure. While black coffee is associated with various health benefits due to antioxidants, these effects may be diminished when additives like milk or sugar are included.