Does Coffee Raise Blood Pressure or Risk for Hypertension?

Caffeine is a vasoactive compound that can raise blood pressure (BP) transiently, but data on the cardiovascular effects of habitual coffee drinking are mixed. In this prospective cohort study from Italy, researchers examined BP in 1400 participants who were stratified by self-reported daily coffee consumption: none, moderate (1–2 cups), or heavy (≥3 cups). Investigators collected office, home, and 24-hour ambulatory BP readings for each participant at baseline and after 10 years. Consumption categories for most participants did not change during follow-up.

The three groups were different somewhat at baseline: For example, heavy coffee consumers were younger, more likely to smoke, and less likely to be taking antihypertensive medications. Af…