For many people, a morning cup of coffee or two is essential. It’s warm and comforting, and the caffeine provides that energy boost that’s often very needed when we first wake up. 

However, drinking coffee every day doesn’t come without its risk. According to the experts at Verywell Health, your morning cuppa has a range of impacts on the body, most notably to do with blood pressure. And this is true whether you usually suffer from high blood pressure or not. 

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is fairly common. However, it can be serious if it’s left untreated. There are a few factors that can increase your blood pressure, such as diet, alcohol intake and tobacco. 

And according to the experts, drinking coffee is one of these. Coffee is a stimulant, meaning it increases brain and nervous system activity. Within 30 minutes to two hours after drinking it, coffee can have an impact on your blood vessels and your heart,

Then, once it’s in the bloodstream, coffee interacts with hormones, brain receptors, and neurotransmitters. It also narrows blood arteries and veins, raising blood pressure. 

Not only does coffee raise your blood pressure, but it can also trigger your fight or flight response, raising your heart rate after you drink. 

Is it safe to drink coffee with high blood pressure? 

According to the experts, although it’s true that coffee does increase blood pressure in the short term, it shouldn’t cause chronic high blood pressure. 

And if you already suffer from hypertension, you can still enjoy coffee – but be careful with how much you’re drinking, as it’ll depend on how high your blood pressure usually is. 

In one study, one or two additional cups of coffee daily doubled the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke in coffee drinkers with stage 2 and 3 hypertension. However, the scientists did not see this effect in those with normal, elevated, or stage 1 hypertension.

Health experts say that 400 mg or less of caffeine – which is about three or four 12-ounce (oz) cups of coffee – per day is safe for healthy adults. Too much caffeine can lead to pretty unpleasant symptoms such as lightheadedness, insomnia and jitters, so make sure you aren’t overloading.