In theory, the effect of coffee on blood pressure should be fairly obvious, as the caffeine it contains is a vasoconstrictor, a substance that has the ability to constrict blood vessels. As a result, the blood pressure should rise after drinking a cup of coffee, but in practice this relationship is not clear-cut.

Rather, it is not difficult to guess that many different studies have already been carried out on the effects of coffee drinking on blood pressure values. Among other things, it has been investigated how the beverage affects healthy patients. It was found that the subjects did experience an increase in their blood pressure values for a certain period of time after drinking a small black coffee, but that these values still remained within normal limits. Another study found that patients who regularly drink coffee may even have a reduced risk of developing hypertension.

Considering all the information mentioned above, it is perfectly clear that it is difficult to assess the relationship between coffee drinking and hypertension unequivocally. In general, patients can therefore be advised to simply observe their body. If irritability, hand trembling, insomnia or gastro-oesophageal reflux are consequences of small black coffee consumption, one should consider limiting coffee consumption or giving it up altogether. For those who cannot imagine starting the day without a cup of coffee, but cannot tolerate it well, we recommend replacing it with yerba mate or rooibos tea.