Coffee and blood pressure

For many people, a cup of coffee is simply part of their morning routine. But this black pick-me-up is popular not only in the morning, but throughout the day as well. However, its effect on blood pressure often causes some uncertainty: could coffee raise it, meaning that people with existing high blood pressure would be better off avoiding it?

Studies have shown that coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure. However, this applies mainly to people who are not used to caffeine. In regular coffee drinkers, however, this hot beverage has little or no effect on blood pressure. It is important to know that, whether someone drinks coffee or not, any rise in blood pressure is only temporary. An adaptation effect can be observed after about two weeks of regular coffee consumption: The rise in blood pressure no longer occurred or was reduced.
This is supported by a long-term study published in 2024. The study monitored the blood pressure of about 1500 participants-some coffee drinkers and others who drank coffee rarely or not at all-over 10 years. The reassuring finding for coffee drinkers was that their blood pressure did not differ from that of people who rarely or never drank coffee at any of the measurements. There was also no evidence of an increased incidence of newly developed high blood pressure among coffee drinkers. Coffee therefore does not appear to affect blood pressure when consumed regularly.

Regarding the question of the “permitted” amount, the German Heart Foundation recommends 4-5 cups of coffee per day, which corresponds to a maximum caffeine intake of 400 mg. However, this amount should not be consumed all at once. Rather, it is the total amount that can be consumed in one day. No more than 200 mg of caffeine should be consumed at one time, for example at breakfast or in the afternoon, which is equivalent to about 2 cups of coffee.

Of course, this only applies to those who can tolerate coffee. Regardless of its effect on blood pressure, individual reactions can make drinking it unpleasant if, for example, palpitations or stomach problems occur after a cup of coffee.

For those who do not experience any unpleasant symptoms after a cup of coffee and therefore tolerate it, moderate (!) coffee consumption could even have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, among other things. Evidence of this has been found in various studies. For example, the antioxidants contained in coffee may even be beneficial to health.

Incidentally, caffeine is not only found in coffee. Black or green tea and even dark chocolate also contain this stimulant. It is also common knowledge that it is found in cola and energy drinks (see our article on blood pressure and energy drinks). If such products are consumed in addition to coffee, they naturally also count towards the total daily caffeine intake and must be taken into account.

In conclusion, coffee is not as harmful to health as was assumed for many years. Quite the contrary, it even has beneficial properties that promote good health. However, as with so many things, the dose makes the poison. Anyone who wants to drink coffee regularly and in moderation can do so without concern, even if they have high blood pressure.

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This article is from Tensana – the leading app since 2011, helping hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day. Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 12/2025).

Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.

Coffee and blood pressure

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