Moderate coffee consumption – between two and four cups daily – is unlikely to elevate long-term blood pressure, according to the Peruvian Society of Hypertension (SPHTA). The finding, released Thursday, addresses widespread concerns about the impact of caffeine on cardiovascular health.
While acknowledging that coffee can cause temporary increases in blood pressure, SPHTA cardiologist Javier Simborth Luna stated that regular, moderate intake does not appear to increase the risk of sustained hypertension. “The consumption of coffee can cause a brief increase in blood pressure, but, it has no long-term effect on blood pressure levels,” Luna said, speaking from the SPHTA’s Arequipa branch.
The SPHTA’s assessment aligns with recent evaluations indicating that, for non-smokers, coffee may even offer health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular mortality. This contrasts with earlier studies that linked coffee consumption to increased cardiovascular risk, findings often confounded by concurrent smoking habits.
The Mayo Clinic corroborates the SPHTA’s findings, noting that caffeine typically causes a short-lived increase in blood pressure, lasting between four and six hours, particularly in individuals who are caffeine-sensitive or infrequent consumers. This temporary elevation can be accompanied by a faster heart rate.
Luna emphasized that habitual coffee drinkers often develop a tolerance to caffeine, diminishing its impact on blood pressure over time. The SPHTA recommends that individuals with hypertension monitor their blood pressure after consuming coffee to assess their individual response. The organization advises consuming coffee primarily in the morning to avoid potential sleep disturbances.
The SPHTA suggests a daily intake of two to four cups, while also advising individuals to consider switching to decaffeinated coffee if they experience significant blood pressure increases or other adverse effects like palpitations, anxiety, or insomnia. Patients should consult with their physician if they have concerns.
Beyond its potential impact on blood pressure, the SPHTA notes that regular coffee consumption has been associated with a lower incidence of diabetes, depression and Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies cited by the Mayo Clinic suggest that coffee may even reduce mortality rates in individuals with a history of heart attack or stroke.
However, the SPHTA cautions that coffee can cause anxiety, palpitations, or insomnia in some individuals. The organization also notes a potential link between high coffee consumption and increased fracture risk in women, and recommends pregnant women limit or avoid caffeine intake altogether.
The SPHTA will present its findings at the XXXII Argentine Congress of Hypertension in Rosario, Argentina, on April 16, 2026. The organization is also scheduled to participate in the 31st Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension and the 17th Annual Conference of the Emirates Cardiac Society in October 2026.
