Author : Dr Kate Garside
Morning coffee and blood pressure readings: What your numbers really mean
Yesterday, my husband and I noticed that our blood pressure readings were higher than usual. We were a little concerned… until we remembered that we had both just enjoyed a strong black coffee—on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. This got me thinking: could our coffee habit be influencing our blood pressure?
How coffee affects blood pressure
Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, is a known stimulant. When consumed, it can temporarily increase your blood pressure by stimulating your nervous system and causing your blood vessels to constrict slightly. For most healthy adults, this rise is usually mild and temporary, but it can be more noticeable in some people, especially those who are sensitive to caffeine or consume it on an empty stomach.
Some key points about coffee and blood pressure:
- Temporary effect: Blood pressure may rise for 30–120 minutes after drinking coffee.
- Sensitivity varies: People who rarely drink coffee may experience a bigger spike than regular coffee drinkers.
- Interaction with fasting: Drinking coffee on an empty stomach may make the effect on blood pressure slightly stronger.
Why Blood Pressure is Often Higher in the Morning
Even without coffee, it’s normal for blood pressure to be higher in the morning. This is part of the body’s natural “circadian rhythm.” When you wake, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to help you get moving, which can temporarily raise blood pressure.
This means that morning readings—especially if combined with caffeine—can be misleading if you’re trying to gauge your “usual” blood pressure.
Our Personal Experience
After seeing our elevated morning readings, we decided to check our blood pressure again in the evening, after avoiding coffee for about six hours. The result? Both of our readings were back in our normal range. This clearly showed that the morning spike was temporary and likely influenced by the coffee and natural morning hormones.
Tips for accurate blood pressure readings
To get the most reliable measurement:
- Measure at the same time every day. Late morning or afternoon readings can give a better baseline if morning readings are affected by natural hormone surges.
- Avoid caffeine beforehand. Wait at least 30–60 minutes after coffee or tea.
- Sit quietly before measuring. Rest for 5 minutes and avoid talking or moving around.
- Take multiple readings. Average two or three readings for accuracy.
Bottom Line
Interestingly, I usually have naturally low blood pressure, which can sometimes leave me feeling a little light-headed or sluggish in the mornings. For me, caffeine can actually be helpful, giving my blood pressure a gentle boost and helping me feel more alert and awake. Of course, I’m careful to monitor how it affects me, but in moderation, my morning coffee serves as a useful way to elevate my blood pressure without any harm.
Yes, coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure, and first-morning readings are naturally higher due to your body’s circadian rhythm. If you’ve just had a strong black coffee on an empty stomach, it’s not surprising that your readings were elevated. For most people, this isn’t dangerous—but it’s a good reason to be mindful if you’re monitoring blood pressure closely.
If you consistently get high readings, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider rather than relying on single measurements influenced by caffeine.
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