For many older adults, a morning cup of coffee is more than just a habit; it's a ritual. However, as we age, it's important to understand how our dietary choices affect our health, especially our heart health. For seniors, finding the truth about coffee and heart health is important for understanding how it affects overall health.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana, yerba mate, and over 60 other products.¹ It works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, and muscles. It also affects the centers that control blood pressure.

While caffeine can raise blood pressure, this effect may be less pronounced in regular users. It can also act as a diuretic, increasing urine flow.²

People commonly use caffeine to boost mental alertness, improve athletic performance, and enhance memory. It's also sometimes used for headaches and migraines. While some studies suggest potential benefits for conditions like asthma, gallbladder disease, ADHD, low blood pressure, and depression, there isn't strong scientific evidence to support these uses. It's important to note that highly concentrated or pure caffeine products pose a health risk due to the potential for accidental overdose. These products are illegal to sell in bulk in the US. 

The age-old question about coffee and heart health is still the subject of ongoing research. Recent studies have shed light on how caffeine affects cardiovascular health, particularly in individuals with hypertension.

As with most any food or drink, the real risks of drinking coffee are also tied to your personal health picture, taking into account gender, age, and other chronic health conditions. The FDA states that drinking 4 to 5 cups of coffee per day is generally harmless for healthy adults.²  Caffeine is habit-forming, and when cutting out caffeine, you can experience withdrawal symptoms like a headache for a few days.

• Hypertension and coffee consumption: Research shows that drinking two or more cups of coffee daily may double the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in individuals with severe hypertension (160/100 mm Hg or higher) compared to non-coffee drinkers. This finding highlights the importance of moderation, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions.³
• Moderate coffee consumption: Interestingly, drinking only one cup of coffee a day was not associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease at any blood pressure level. This suggests that moderate consumption may not pose the same risks as higher intake.
• Green tea vs. coffee: Unlike coffee, drinking green tea was not associated with an increased risk of death related to cardiovascular disease at any blood pressure level, even though green tea also contains caffeine. This may be due to the presence of beneficial polyphenols in green tea.²

These findings suggest that individuals with severe high blood pressure should exercise caution when consuming coffee.

Despite the risks associated with high caffeine intake, some research suggests potential benefits from moderate coffee consumption. Let’s look closer at some of these benefits.

• Heart attack survivors: Studies have found that drinking one cup of coffee a day may help heart attack survivors by lowering their risk of death after a heart attack. It may prevent heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals.

• Chronic illness: Separate studies have suggested that drinking coffee regularly may reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

• Alertness and mood: Coffee may help to control appetite, lower the risk of depression, and boost alertness. However, it's not clear if these effects are due to caffeine or other compounds in coffee.

It's important to weigh these potential benefits against the risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.⁴

Before giving up coffee or avoiding caffeine at all costs, consider how you can change your habits or consumption. Here are some practical tips you can think about while still enjoying a cup of coffee.⁵

• Monitor blood pressure: Regularly check your blood pressure, especially if you have hypertension or other heart conditions.
• Limit consumption: Limit caffeine intake to one cup of coffee per day or consider switching to green tea.
• Be aware of hidden caffeine: Be mindful of hidden sources of caffeine in chocolate, energy drinks, and certain medications.
• Listen to your body: Pay attention to how caffeine affects you. If you experience anxiety, heart palpitations, or difficulty sleeping, reduce your intake.
• Consult your doctor: Talk to your doctor about your caffeine consumption, especially if you have a heart condition.
• Caffeine and medication: Caffeine can interact with certain medications, so it's important to discuss your caffeine intake with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Sleep quality: Caffeine can interfere with sleep, which is crucial for overall health. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening to improve sleep quality.
• Individual sensitivity: People metabolize caffeine differently. Some individuals are more sensitive to its effects than others.

The relationship between caffeine and heart health is complex, and the effects can vary depending on individual factors and consumption levels. While moderate coffee consumption may offer some benefits, high caffeine intake can pose risks, especially for individuals with hypertension or other heart conditions.

Older adults should be mindful of their caffeine consumption, check their blood pressure regularly, and consult with their primary care doctor or healthcare team to help make informed decisions about their dietary choices. 

The content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

• “Caffeine - Uses, Side Effects, and More,” WebMD, last accessed on Feb 28, 2025, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-979/caffeine
•  “Caffeine and Heart Disease,” American Heart Association, last accessed on Feb 28, 2025, https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/caffeine-and-heart-disease
• Liam Connolly, “HEART AND VASCULAR, Q&A: What effect does caffeine have on your heart?” last accessed on Feb 28, 2025, https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/qa-what-effect-does-caffeine-have-on-your-heart/2023/12
• “Drinking Coffee in Your Senior Years: 10 Health Facts You Should Know”, Summerhouse Senior Living, last accessed on Feb 28, 2025, https://www.summerhouseseniorliving.com/senior-living-blog/drinking-coffee-in-your-senior-years-10-health-facts-you-should-know/
• “Caffeine and Aging: What Older Adults Should Know,” Home Instead, last accessed on April 13, 2025, https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/la/carencro/347/news-and-media/caffeine-and-aging-what-older-adults-should-know/