Is Drinking Coffee Good for Heart Health?

Coffee has an unshakeable reputation, not just as a breakfast beverage but as a vital morning ritual for millions worldwide. This beloved brew, however, has a controversial history when it comes to its impact on overall health, particularly cardiovascular well-being. Some hail coffee as a protective drink, others warn of its potential to raise blood pressure and increase heart risks. Below, we dive into the latest scientific evidence to provide a balanced perspective on the complex relationship between coffee and heart health.

Impact of Coffee on Heart Health

Various studies have polarizing claims on the effects of coffee heart health. Some underscore its undeniable benefits, while others focus on neutral or potential issues related to cardiovascular functions. All of these suggest that the connection between heart health and coffee can be subjective. Nonetheless, the benefits may outweigh the concerns through tailored planning with your nutritionist or healthcare provider. 

Potential Benefits of Coffee

According to a scientific review of coffee and heart health⁽¹⁾ in the journal Nutrients, coffee is gaining increasing interest for its health benefits. These include reducing all-cause mortality, cancer risk, neurological, metabolic, and liver conditions, as well as the role it may play in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Strong evidence from observational trials supports the notion that moderate coffee consumption benefits cardiovascular health. 

Specifically, the impact of coffee on your cardiovascular function can be observed through the following: 

• Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure: Emerging evidence suggests that moderate coffee consumption⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ may contribute to a reduced risk of developing these conditions. This association may be attributed to the presence of antioxidants in coffee and its potential beneficial effects on blood pressure regulation, cholesterol levels, and glucose metabolism.
• Optimum cholesterol levels: Coffee may elevate high-density lipoprotein⁽⁴⁾ or HDL cholesterol (also known as good cholesterol). However, unfiltered coffee may also increase low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol).   
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Coffee contains a high concentration of antioxidants⁽⁵⁾, compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants may lower the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress buildup–both linked to heart disease.
• Enhanced blood vessel function: Coffee may improve the way blood vessels dilate and contract, which may improve endothelial function⁽⁶⁾. This enhances the ability of blood vessels to dilate and contract for optimal blood flow.

Did You Know? Aside from coffee, green tea is another beverage that boasts a plethora of health benefits, including a reduction in CVD risk. Learn more about why green tea is the healthiest drink in the world and its other positive impacts on your health. 

Potential Concerns

The benefits of coffee on heart health can be overturned, especially in the event of overconsumption or adding specific components. It’s also recommended to ease up on drinking too much coffee if you’re diagnosed with illnesses that exacerbate cardiovascular problems. 

A 2023 study in the European Heart Journal found that habitual coffee consumption⁽⁷⁾ throughout the day was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, particularly in individuals with existing hypertension. This may be due to the impact of caffeine on blood pressure and the disruption of circadian rhythms.

Specific heart health issues due to drinking coffee can show up in the following conditions:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Caffeine can briefly spike blood pressure and heart rate⁽⁸⁾, especially among those sensitive to it. This effect is usually short-lived. However, individuals with pre-existing hypertension or cardiac conditions should exercise caution and monitor their caffeine intake.   
• Cholesterol levels may rise with unfiltered coffee: As mentioned earlier, unfiltered coffee can raise LDL cholesterol⁽⁹⁾. This is due to compounds removed by filtering, so opting for filtered coffee may be a more heart-healthy choice.   
• Anxiety and sleep disturbances: Too much coffee can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and other issues that might indirectly affect heart health. Therefore, it is essential to consider individual responses to caffeine, pre-existing cardiac conditions, and potential medication interactions.

How to Maximize the Positive Link Between Coffee and Heart Health

The relationship between coffee and heart health can be conditional. Consumed appropriately, you can leverage coffee’s benefits for optimum cardiovascular function and minimize potential risks through the following tips:

1. Opt for the Right Coffee

Opt for filtered coffee as it removes compounds that can raise cholesterol levels. Drip coffee makers, pour-over methods, and even paper filters in a French press can help reduce these compounds. Also, black coffee is a better option for heart health. Having too many additives can negate the potential health benefits of coffee and contribute to other health issues.

2. Moderate Your Intake

Most research suggests that 3 to 4 cups of coffee per day⁽¹⁰⁾ (up to 400 mg of caffeine) is a safe and potentially beneficial amount for most adults. Additionally, pay attention to how coffee affects you. If you experience anxiety, insomnia, or heart palpitations, reduce your intake or consider switching to decaffeinated coffee.

3. Consider Timing in Your Consumption

A 2025 study published in the European Heart Journal⁽¹¹⁾ found that people who drink coffee in the morning have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to all-day coffee drinkers. This suggests that disrupting circadian rhythms with coffee consumption later in the day may overturn some of the benefits. Plus, instead of taking all your coffee at once, space it out throughout the day to avoid spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. 

4. Tailor Your Approach

If you have any existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about how coffee might affect you. If you’re not aware of your heart health status, a lipid panel blood test could be a good way to start with the assessment. 

Also, you need to consider your genetics. Some people are genetically more sensitive to caffeine. If you experience adverse effects, adjust your consumption accordingly. Certain medications can likewise interact with caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

Also Read: 5 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Get Tested for Heart Disease in Your 20s

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coffee good or bad for the heart?

Generally, coffee provides myriad benefits for cardiovascular health, with zero harm involved. However, it’s important to note that individual responses can vary, and excessive coffee consumption may have negative consequences, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate. This is particularly true among individuals sensitive to caffeine. 

How does caffeine affect the heart?

Caffeine, found in coffee and tea, stimulates the heart by blocking adenosine, temporarily increasing heart rate and blood pressure. While excessive caffeine can cause palpitations and worsen anxiety, moderate consumption is generally safe for healthy adults. However, individual responses vary, and it’s essential to be mindful of your body’s reaction to caffeine.

How many cups of coffee a day is safe for your heart?

Current research suggests moderate coffee consumption (approximately 3 to 4 cups daily) is generally safe for adults and may provide cardiovascular benefits. This intake level typically aligns with the recommended daily caffeine limit of 400 milligrams. However, individual responses to caffeine can vary, and factors such as caffeine sensitivity, pre-existing cardiac conditions, and potential medication interactions must be considered.

The Bottom Line

Enjoying coffee as part of a healthy lifestyle, in moderation and with awareness of your body’s signals, can be a heart-smart choice. However, individual responses can vary, and it’s crucial to be mindful of factors like caffeine sensitivity, brewing methods, and any underlying health conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have any concerns about your heart health.

Sources

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² Mendoza MF, Sulague RM, Posas-Mendoza T, Lavie CJ. Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health. Ochsner J. 2023 Summer;23(2):152-158. doi: 10.31486/toj.22.0073. PMID: 37323518; PMCID: PMC10262944.

³ Ungvari Z, Kunutsor SK. Coffee consumption and cardiometabolic health: a comprehensive review of the evidence. Geroscience. 2024 Dec;46(6):6473-6510. doi: 10.1007/s11357-024-01262-5. Epub 2024 Jul 4. PMID: 38963648; PMCID: PMC11493900.

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⁶ Marcinek K, Luzak B, Rozalski M. The Effects of Caffeine on Blood Platelets and the Cardiovascular System through Adenosine Receptors. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Aug 15;25(16):8905. doi: 10.3390/ijms25168905. PMID: 39201591; PMCID: PMC11354695.

⁷ İnce Parpucu T, Kıyak G, Taş FU, Usta M, Örsçelik A, Ercan S. Adaptation of the International Fitness Scale and Self-Perceived Health-Related Physical Fitness Questionnaire into Turkish. Children (Basel). 2023 Sep 13;10(9):1546. doi: 10.3390/children10091546. PMID: 37761507; PMCID: PMC10528336.

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¹¹ Xuan Wang, Hao Ma, Qi Sun, Jun Li, Yoriko Heianza, Rob M Van Dam, Frank B Hu, Eric Rimm, JoAnn E Manson, Lu Qi, Coffee drinking timing and mortality in US adults, European Heart Journal, 2025;, ehae871, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehae871