Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and it’s second only to water as the most commonly consumed drink. It has been associated with several health benefits, including improving alertness, focus, and athletic performance.

However, studies suggest that too much coffee may have adverse effects on health. One of the possible challenges is that coffee may exacerbate hypertension, a common cardiovascular problem across the world.

This article explores recent research that suggests that drinking two cups of coffee every day may double the risk of cardiac death in hypertensive patients.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of arteries is too high.

It is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. Hypertension has no outward symptoms and often goes undiagnosed until complications arise. It is a significant risk factor for many cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.

Hypertension affects nearly 1.13 billion people worldwide.

How Does Coffee Affect Hypertension?

The active ingredient in coffee is caffeine, a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system.

Caffeine can increase blood pressure by stimulating the release of adrenaline, a hormone that activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the heart to beat faster and harder. However, the effects of caffeine on blood pressure vary from person to person, and they depend on the individual’s sensitivity to caffeine.

Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and excessive intake can lead to substantial increases in blood pressure.

The Study: Research on Coffee and Hypertension

A study conducted by the University of Sao Paulo found that long-term coffee consumption significantly increased the risk of cardiac death in hypertensive patients.

The study recruited 533 hypertensive patients aged 18-81 years from a primary care center in Brazil. The participants’ blood pressure was monitored for seven years, and their coffee intake was recorded through questionnaires.

The study found that the risk of cardiac death was doubled in hypertensive patients who consumed two or more cups of coffee per day compared to those who didn’t consume coffee. The study suggested that drinking two or more cups of coffee per day could have adverse effects on cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients.

Why Does Coffee Increase the Risk of Cardiac Death in Hypertensive Patients?

The exact mechanism by which coffee increases the risk of cardiac death in hypertensive patients is not yet fully understood.

However, one possible reason is that caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure by increasing adrenaline levels, which puts more stress on the heart. This increase in adrenaline can have negative effects on cardiovascular health, such as damaging the blood vessels or causing the heart muscle to thicken, which can lead to heart disease and heart failure.

In addition, coffee can cause an increase in oxidative stress, which can damage the arteries and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaques build up inside the arteries, making them narrow and restricting blood flow, leading to heart attacks and strokes.

Is Coffee Safe for Hypertensive Patients?

The findings of the study do not mean that hypertensive people should avoid coffee altogether, but it is better to limit their intake to less than two cups per day.

Drinking moderate amounts of coffee has been shown to have some benefits, including reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, and several types of cancer. However, excessive consumption of coffee, especially for hypertensive patients, could have harmful effects on cardiovascular health.

Therefore, individuals should be aware of their sensitivity to caffeine and limit their intake if they have hypertension.

Conclusion

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, and it has many health benefits. However, drinking excessive amounts of coffee can be detrimental, especially for hypertensive patients.

The study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee per day could double the risk of cardiac death in hypertensive patients. Hypertensive patients should be aware of their coffee intake and limit it to less than two cups per day to avoid adverse effects on cardiovascular health.