Latest news with #cardiovascularhealth
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Eating More of This Vegetable Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Hypertension
Eating More of This Vegetable Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Hypertension originally appeared on Parade. When you think of cardiovascular health issues, your mind may drift to hospitals, life-saving visits to the emergency room and medications. Hospitals and medications can save lives and help people manage their heart health. However, other habits can also play a significant role in supporting your overall health, including lowering blood want people to understand that small, healthy choices add up. A recent American Heart Association report found that cardiovascular disease remains the top killer of U.S. adults. However, the organization highlighted the increase in people living with hypertension as a reason for this dubious distinction. Diet is one risk factor for high blood pressure—and heart disease in general—that people have control over. "Maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way towards helping to control your blood pressure," says Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical does a blood pressure-friendly diet look like? Cardiologists and dietitians agree that it often includes one vegetable that can help people lower hypertension. They share the vegetable, ways to enjoy it and alternatives. 🩺 💊 Eating More of This Vegetable Can Help You Lower Blood Pressure, Cardiologists and RDs Agree Want to lower hypertension ASAP? Fill your cart with spinach during your next trip to the grocery store. "Spinach can help to lower blood pressure through a few different mechanisms," Dr. Chen says. "The relatively high nitrate content in spinach can increase nitric oxide levels in the body, relaxing your blood vessels."Also? Move over, bananas. Spinach is also a rich source of potassium, which matters for heart health. "Potassium is a mineral that helps balance sodium levels in the body by helping relax blood vessel walls," explains , a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. "This can help ease pressure on the cardiovascular system."A 2023 Nutrients study suggested that eating leafy green vegetables, including spinach, may help people lower their blood pressure. Importantly, spinach isn't the only leafy green vegetable in the produce aisle, nor is it such a superfood that eating it will guarantee that your blood pressure lowers and stays in a healthy range. One cardiology dietitian stresses that no food belongs on that kind of lofty pedestal. "No single food can improve blood pressure on its own," reports Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a cardiology dietitian and owner of "Instead, considering your overall dietary pattern, and the foods and pairings you include, is essential for supporting blood pressure and heart health."However, Routhenstein agrees with Dr. Chen and Garcia-Benson—the nitrate and potassium content in spinach provides a double whammy that makes it an excellent choice for people aiming to keep their blood pressure in How Much Spinach Do You Need To Eat To Lower Blood Pressure? There isn't a specific dosage of spinach to eat if you want to lower blood pressure, explains Dr. Nishant Kalra, MD, an interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company. However, Dr. Kalra points to data suggesting that consuming about 350 to 400 milligrams of nitrate can benefit the heart."This aligns with the DASH diet, which recommends at least four servings of vegetables per day," Dr. Kalra explains. If adding milligrams of nitrates sounds too stressful, Routhenstein has a way to simplify your spinach intake. "Consuming about one to two cups of raw spinach or a half or full cup of cooked spinach four to five times a week can help you reap these benefits," she loves working spinach into soups, sandwiches and salads with tomatoes. Garcia-Benson enjoys spinach: Tossed into burrito bowls Sautéed with eggs, mushrooms and other veggies in the morning Blended into smoothies ("You won't taste it!" she reveals.) Related: Alternatives to Spinach That Can Lower Blood Pressure If hiding spinach in your smoothie doesn't sound appetizing, rest assured, there are other ways to get your fix of heart-healthy veggies. In the leafy-green family, Garcia-Benson reports that: Kale is nutrient-dense and easy to use, cooked or raw Swiss chard is packed with potassium and magnesium Arugula is mild and nitrate-rich like spinach "It's not just about spinach—getting vegetables in daily, ideally with most meals, is supportive of healthy blood pressure levels," Garcia-Benson says. "If you want to use spinach every day, go for it. However, rotating your greens week to week can help reduce food waste and keep things interesting."Speaking of which, variety is more than the spice of life. Eating an array of colorful foods (AKA the rainbow) is also vital to ensuring that you're getting the vitamins and minerals your heart needs to thrive. She also recommends: Beets, which are also high in nitrates, can help relax blood vessels and boost circulation Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, fiber and magnesium, balancing fluids and sodium Avocados, which are packed with potassium, magnesium and heart-health fats that assist with blood pressure regulation Strawberries and blueberries that are loaded with antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting blood pressure function Bananas—OK, maybe don't move over just yet. "These are one of the most potassium-rich fruits, supporting sodium regulation and healthy hearts," Garcia-Benson says. Garcia-Benson isn't a fan of "eat this, not that" advice, even when it comes to blood pressure. "Rather than focusing on restriction, I encourage people to prioritize adding nutrient-dense foods to their plate," she says. "That naturally pushes out some of the higher-sodium, added-sugar, or high-saturated-fat foods without being overly rigid. Still, she concedes it's important to be mindful of a few components when choosing meals, including limiting: Highly processed foods Fried foods Sugary drinks and sweets Cured meats and snack foods that can add sneaky high amounts of salt Related: Other Tips To Support Blood Pressure Diet is a critical way to lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension. However, cardiologists recommend taking a holistic approach. Dr. Chen suggests: Engaging in regular physical activity Maintaining a healthy weight Avoiding alcohol and tobacco Getting enough quality sleep Managing stress That advice might sound simple, but managing blood pressure can feel complicated. Remember, support is available. "If you're concerned about high blood a primary care provider or cardiologist for evaluation and management," shares Dr. Kalra. A registered dietitian can also help you craft a heart-healthy diet—including dishing out delicious ways to enjoy spinach and other vegetables. Up Next:Sources: Heart and Stroke Statistics. American Heart Association. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Kathleen Garcia-Benson, RDN, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching Vitamins and Minerals for Blood Pressure Reduction in the General, Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Six Supplements. Nutrients. Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a cardiology dietitian and owner of Dr. Nishant Kalra, MD, an interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company Increasing Nitrate-Rich Vegetable Intake Lowers Ambulatory Blood Pressure in (pre)Hypertensive Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A 12-Wk Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Nutrition. Eating More of This Vegetable Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Hypertension first appeared on Parade on Jul 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm one of the increasing number of young people to have a stroke and was paralyzed at 19... how I made a comeback
Sophia Gedgaudas was just 19 years old when she suffered a life-changing stroke and was given a 15 percent chance of survival. In 2019, Gedgaudas had moved from Kenosha, Wisconsin, to San Francisco to become a pilot with dreams of also joining an NFL team as a cheerleader. However, on February 5, two days after the Super Bowl, Gedgaudas and her family were at her home when she suffered a stroke. According to Gedgaudas's mother Lily, her parents found her laying on the ground completely paralyzed with her mouth drooping. Gedgaudas told 'My entire family had flown in to watch the game and spend the week together.' The aspiring pilot was immediately rushed to the hospital where doctors told her that she had suffered a stroke due to extremely high cholesterol from a hereditary condition known as high lipoprotein (a). Lipoproteins are protein molecules that transport fat in the body, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Elevated levels of these can pose a risk to cardiovascular health. High Lipoprotein (a) is a genetic condition that creates a new form of cholesterol in the body that is similar to LDL (bad) cholesterol but has an additional protein. This new kind of cholesterol causes a buildup of plaque in arteries, triggering inflammation and increased blood clotting, ultimately hindering blood flow to the heart. As a result, people with this condition have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes - even if they take precautionary measures such as eating health and not smoking. About one in five Americans, or around 64 million people, suffer from high lipoprotein(a). In Gedgaudas's case, her condition created a blood clot in her brain that resulted in a stroke. According to the CDC, about 800,000 Americans experience a stroke each year while an estimated 138,000 Americans die from it. While usually associated with older populations, recent data indicates a concerning increase in stroke rates among individuals aged between 18 and 44. About 120,000 Americans under the age of 50 and 1.5 million young adults worldwide suffer a stroke each year. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, substance abuse (including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption), and stress are increasingly recognized as major contributors to stroke in young adults. She told the website: 'It was a complete shock. I've been an athlete my entire life—a state champion gymnast, a black belt in karate, and a competitive dancer and cheerleader. No one ever expected someone like me to have high cholesterol. 'But because of my genetics, my lipoprotein(a) level raised my cholesterol to dangerous levels and that's ultimately what caused my stroke. 'At the time, I was completely paralyzed and could only respond with one word: "yeah." That's all I could say.' Gedgaudas's doctors initially prescribed her a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) - a medication used to treat heart attacks by dissolving blood clots. However, due to the large size of the clot, the medication failed to work and she was forced to undergo a thrombectomy, a procedure where doctors insert a catheter into an artery through the groin to remove the clot. But while doctors were able to successfully remove the life-threatening clot, she was left partially deaf as the stroke damaged parts of her brain responsible for hearing. The intensive surgery combined with the paralysis she suffered left Gedgaudas struggling to recover for three years, relearning how to walk, talk, eat and read. During this time, she watched numerous wrestling matches and decided she wanted to pursue the sport rather than becoming a pilot and cheerleader. The now 25-year-old said: 'My dad would sit with me in the ICU and put wrestling on the TV. My mom says the first time I smiled after the stroke was while watching wrestling. 'Later, my brother took me to a live show, and after we left, I said, "That's what I'm going to do." 'There were days I didn't want to get out of bed. I was angry, I was depressed. But watching wrestling made me believe I could do something again. It gave me hope and purpose.' Once being given the green light by her entire medical team in 2022, she began training to be a professional wrestler. In 2023, she made her debut and quickly became a standout. Now, Gedgaudas is the reigning women's champion at Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in Louisville, Kentucky - where wrestling legends John Cena, Dave Batista, Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton started their road to stardom. She told 'Being part of OVW means everything to me. There's so much history here and amazing wrestlers that have come through, and I want to be one of the names. I want to show people a disability shouldn't stop anyone from reaching the top.' Gedgaudas continued: 'For a long time, I was embarrassed that I was partially deaf. I saw it as a weakness and didn't want anyone to think I was limited. But over time, I realized it's just part of who I am - and there's nothing to be ashamed of. 'Now, I embrace it. I've learned to adapt in ways that work for me. I've gotten good at reading lips, and in the ring, I naturally turn my good ear toward the sound so I can hear what I need to. Most importantly, I stay super focused. 'By staying locked in, I'm able to catch cues and respond without missing a beat. It's not always easy, but I've found ways to make it work - and even turn it into a strength. 'I have to read matches differently, and I rely on instincts and body language. It forces me to be completely in the moment, and I think it makes me a better performer.' To stay healthy and prevent another stroke, Gedgaudas workouts and follows a special diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins including chicken and fish. For the future, Gedgaudas has global ambitions and hopes to one day wrestle internationally. But for now, her mission is personal. 'I want to wrestle in the UK, Japan, anywhere. But more than that, I want to keep helping people.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Eating More of This Vegetable Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Hypertension
Eating More of This Vegetable Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Hypertension originally appeared on Parade. When you think of cardiovascular health issues, your mind may drift to hospitals, life-saving visits to the emergency room and medications. Hospitals and medications can save lives and help people manage their heart health. However, other habits can also play a significant role in supporting your overall health, including lowering blood want people to understand that small, healthy choices add up. A recent American Heart Association report found that cardiovascular disease remains the top killer of U.S. adults. However, the organization highlighted the increase in people living with hypertension as a reason for this dubious distinction. Diet is one risk factor for high blood pressure—and heart disease in general—that people have control over. "Maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way towards helping to control your blood pressure," says Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical does a blood pressure-friendly diet look like? Cardiologists and dietitians agree that it often includes one vegetable that can help people lower hypertension. They share the vegetable, ways to enjoy it and alternatives. 🩺 💊 Eating More of This Vegetable Can Help You Lower Blood Pressure, Cardiologists and RDs Agree Want to lower hypertension ASAP? Fill your cart with spinach during your next trip to the grocery store. "Spinach can help to lower blood pressure through a few different mechanisms," Dr. Chen says. "The relatively high nitrate content in spinach can increase nitric oxide levels in the body, relaxing your blood vessels."Also? Move over, bananas. Spinach is also a rich source of potassium, which matters for heart health. "Potassium is a mineral that helps balance sodium levels in the body by helping relax blood vessel walls," explains , a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. "This can help ease pressure on the cardiovascular system."A 2023 Nutrients study suggested that eating leafy green vegetables, including spinach, may help people lower their blood pressure. Importantly, spinach isn't the only leafy green vegetable in the produce aisle, nor is it such a superfood that eating it will guarantee that your blood pressure lowers and stays in a healthy range. One cardiology dietitian stresses that no food belongs on that kind of lofty pedestal. "No single food can improve blood pressure on its own," reports Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a cardiology dietitian and owner of "Instead, considering your overall dietary pattern, and the foods and pairings you include, is essential for supporting blood pressure and heart health."However, Routhenstein agrees with Dr. Chen and Garcia-Benson—the nitrate and potassium content in spinach provides a double whammy that makes it an excellent choice for people aiming to keep their blood pressure in How Much Spinach Do You Need To Eat To Lower Blood Pressure? There isn't a specific dosage of spinach to eat if you want to lower blood pressure, explains Dr. Nishant Kalra, MD, an interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company. However, Dr. Kalra points to data suggesting that consuming about 350 to 400 milligrams of nitrate can benefit the heart."This aligns with the DASH diet, which recommends at least four servings of vegetables per day," Dr. Kalra explains. If adding milligrams of nitrates sounds too stressful, Routhenstein has a way to simplify your spinach intake. "Consuming about one to two cups of raw spinach or a half or full cup of cooked spinach four to five times a week can help you reap these benefits," she loves working spinach into soups, sandwiches and salads with tomatoes. Garcia-Benson enjoys spinach: Tossed into burrito bowls Sautéed with eggs, mushrooms and other veggies in the morning Blended into smoothies ("You won't taste it!" she reveals.) Related: Alternatives to Spinach That Can Lower Blood Pressure If hiding spinach in your smoothie doesn't sound appetizing, rest assured, there are other ways to get your fix of heart-healthy veggies. In the leafy-green family, Garcia-Benson reports that: Kale is nutrient-dense and easy to use, cooked or raw Swiss chard is packed with potassium and magnesium Arugula is mild and nitrate-rich like spinach "It's not just about spinach—getting vegetables in daily, ideally with most meals, is supportive of healthy blood pressure levels," Garcia-Benson says. "If you want to use spinach every day, go for it. However, rotating your greens week to week can help reduce food waste and keep things interesting."Speaking of which, variety is more than the spice of life. Eating an array of colorful foods (AKA the rainbow) is also vital to ensuring that you're getting the vitamins and minerals your heart needs to thrive. She also recommends: Beets, which are also high in nitrates, can help relax blood vessels and boost circulation Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, fiber and magnesium, balancing fluids and sodium Avocados, which are packed with potassium, magnesium and heart-health fats that assist with blood pressure regulation Strawberries and blueberries that are loaded with antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting blood pressure function Bananas—OK, maybe don't move over just yet. "These are one of the most potassium-rich fruits, supporting sodium regulation and healthy hearts," Garcia-Benson says. Garcia-Benson isn't a fan of "eat this, not that" advice, even when it comes to blood pressure. "Rather than focusing on restriction, I encourage people to prioritize adding nutrient-dense foods to their plate," she says. "That naturally pushes out some of the higher-sodium, added-sugar, or high-saturated-fat foods without being overly rigid. Still, she concedes it's important to be mindful of a few components when choosing meals, including limiting: Highly processed foods Fried foods Sugary drinks and sweets Cured meats and snack foods that can add sneaky high amounts of salt Related: Other Tips To Support Blood Pressure Diet is a critical way to lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension. However, cardiologists recommend taking a holistic approach. Dr. Chen suggests: Engaging in regular physical activity Maintaining a healthy weight Avoiding alcohol and tobacco Getting enough quality sleep Managing stress That advice might sound simple, but managing blood pressure can feel complicated. Remember, support is available. "If you're concerned about high blood a primary care provider or cardiologist for evaluation and management," shares Dr. Kalra. A registered dietitian can also help you craft a heart-healthy diet—including dishing out delicious ways to enjoy spinach and other vegetables. Up Next:Sources: Heart and Stroke Statistics. American Heart Association. Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Kathleen Garcia-Benson, RDN, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching Vitamins and Minerals for Blood Pressure Reduction in the General, Normotensive Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Six Supplements. Nutrients. Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a cardiology dietitian and owner of Dr. Nishant Kalra, MD, an interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company Increasing Nitrate-Rich Vegetable Intake Lowers Ambulatory Blood Pressure in (pre)Hypertensive Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A 12-Wk Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Nutrition. Eating More of This Vegetable Might Be the Easiest Way To Lower Hypertension first appeared on Parade on Jul 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to hit your daily step goal without going outside — 5 easy ways to get 10,000 steps
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Getting 10,000 steps in a day can feel impossible when you're stuck inside, whether you're working from home, dealing with bad weather, or just don't feel like going out. Fortunately, you don't need to step foot outside to hit your daily step goal. While outdoor walks offer fresh air and sunshine, indoor walking can be just as effective for your cardiovascular health and fitness. You might be surprised how many steps you can rack up just by moving around your house differently, taking advantage of stairs, or following simple walking routines in your living room. With a few strategic changes to your daily routine, you can easily reach that 10,000-step target without ever opening your front door. Here's how. 1. Turn your stairs into a step-counting machine (Image: © Shutterstock) If you have stairs in your house, you've got a built-in step generator that most people completely ignore. Going up and down stairs burns more calories than walking on flat ground and racks up steps surprisingly quickly. Try taking multiple trips instead of carrying everything at once. For example, make separate trips for laundry, grab one item from upstairs instead of five, or just walk up and down a few extra times when you're already heading that direction. You can also use stairs as a dedicated walking break by doing 5-10 trips up and down during work breaks or while waiting for dinner to cook. Each round trip typically counts as 20-30 steps, so even a few extra stair climbs throughout the day can add several hundred steps to your total. 2. Try walking workouts in your living room (Image: © Shutterstock) Walking workouts have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. You can go from your desk to getting steps in less than a minute. YouTube is packed with free walking workout videos that require nothing more than a small space in your living room. Personally, I love Grow with Jo's content. Her workouts are fun, seem to fly by, and she has specific walking routines designed for hitting different step goals. I sometimes do her 5,000-step workout in the mornings, so I only have to think about getting another 5,000 steps for the rest of the day. These aren't just basic marching in place; they include side steps, knee lifts, and arm movements that keep things interesting while racking up serious step counts. A 20-minute walking workout can easily net you 2,000-3,000 steps, and many are designed specifically for small spaces. If you have a treadmill or walking pad, even better, but these workouts are designed to be effective with just your body weight and enthusiasm. 3. Invest in a walking pad (Image: © Tom's Guide) A walking pad is essentially a compact, foldable treadmill that can slide under your bed or couch when not in use. These affordable devices have become incredibly popular because they let you walk while working, watching TV, or doing almost anything else. Unlike traditional treadmills, walking pads are designed for slower speeds (typically 1-4 mph) and quiet operation, making them perfect for apartments or shared spaces. It's an excellent way to rack up thousands of steps during a work call, while binge-watching a series, or even while reading. Many people find they can walk 2-3 mph comfortably while typing or using their phone, turning previously sedentary time into step-counting opportunities. The DeerRun Q1 Mini is the perfect first under-desk treadmill. It's simple to use and requires just one button to turn on. While it's quite small, it's one of the most affordable under-desk treadmills money can buy. View Deal 4. Take walking breaks during work calls (Image: © Getty/martin-dm) If you work from home, phone calls and video meetings are perfect times to sneak in extra steps. During audio-only calls, walk around your house, pace in your office, or even walk up and down stairs while listening. For video calls where you don't need to be on camera, you can often get away with walking around your room as long as you stay near your computer. Even fidgeting and shifting your weight during seated calls adds some movement. Schedule walking meetings with yourself. If you need to brainstorm or think through a problem, do it while walking around your house instead of sitting at your desk. 5. Pace around during TV time and phone calls (Image: © Sling TV) Instead of collapsing on the couch every time you watch TV, try standing and walking around during commercial breaks, or pace slowly during shows that don't require intense visual attention. Phone calls with friends or family are perfect pacing opportunities, as most people actually think better while moving anyway. You can walk around your living room, kitchen, or even go up and down hallways while chatting. During long streaming sessions, set a timer to remind yourself to get up and walk around every 30 minutes. Even pacing slowly while watching adds up to significant steps over the course of an evening. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide 5 power moves to boost your fitness Here's how to use a squat rack safely and effectively How to build fitness that lasts — the best exercises to do at any age
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Popular Morning Habit Could Spike Your Blood Pressure—Here's What a Cardiologist Wants You To Know
This Popular Morning Habit Could Spike Your Blood Pressure—Here's What a Cardiologist Wants You To Know originally appeared on Parade. If one of your health goals is supporting your cardiovascular health—and it should be!—you likely know how important it is to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Having high blood pressure can have serious health ramifications: People with high blood pressure are more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or kidney damage. Yikes. With this in mind, it can be alarming to learn that one extremely common morning habit—one 66% of Americans have—can cause blood pressure to spike. Here, a cardiologist explains why it happens. But remember, health isn't one-size-fits-all, so what is a health hazard for some might not be a health hazard for you. Read on to find out whether or not this popular habit is one you should be worried about. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 The Common Morning Habit That Increases Blood Pressure According to scientific research, drinking coffee can temporarily cause blood pressure to rise. 'Caffeine is known to cause acute, short-term blood pressure increases of up to 10 mmHg within 30 minutes of consumption,' says Dr. Yasmine Ali, MD, a cardiologist and assistant clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Ali explains that the increase in blood pressure depends on the amount of caffeine; if there isn't much caffeine in the coffee (or it's decaf), it won't cause as much of a spike, if any. She says that the reason why caffeinated coffee can temporarily increase blood pressure is that the caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and causes arteries to momentarily stiffen. Related: If you have hypertension or are making a conscious effort to support your blood pressure through your diet, this may be distressing news. Does it mean you should forgo your daily cup of coffee? Not necessarily. 'For most people, an acute rise in blood pressure from coffee isn't concerning,' Dr. Ali says. However, she explains that people with severe or poorly controlled hypertension need to be more cautious, adding, 'The increase in blood pressure may be associated in the long term with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, and these individuals should always seek the advice of their personal physician regarding whether or not drinking coffee is safe, and if so, how much is safe for them. For instance, their physician may suggest that they monitor their blood pressure at home after drinking a cup of coffee to see how much it is really affecting them." Related: Is Coffee Good for Heart Health? Knowing that coffee can temporarily raise blood pressure, it's natural to wonder if drinking it is good for heart health. Good news, coffee drinkers: As long as your coffee consumption is moderate, there's no need to forgo your morning cup of joe. 'The US Dietary Guidelines suggest that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day—about three to four cups of coffee—is generally safe for healthy adults,' Dr. Ali says. In fact, she stresses that starting your day with a cup of coffee is actually beneficial for heart health long term, sharing, 'A 2025 study found that people who drink coffee in the morning have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and lower overall mortality risk compared to all-day coffee drinkers, with morning coffee drinkers being 16% less likely to die of any cause and 31% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease." Related: Additionally, Dr. Ali points to recent studies that have shown how regular coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of developing hypertension, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Dr. Ali says that people who drink coffee or tea every day are at lower risk for getting heart disease, and she herself enjoys both types of beverages each day. With all of this in mind, the temporary spike in blood pressure that coffee can cause is not something most people have to worry about. However, if you do have hypertension, it's worth it to talk to your doctor or a cardiologist about your own personal risk factors. And if you are worried about how coffee is impacting your heart, there's always decaf! Next Up:Sources Dr. Yasmine Ali, MD, cardiologist and assistant clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Overview: high blood pressure. National Library of Medicine More Americans drink coffee each day than any other beverage, bottled water in second place. National Coffee Association Coffee Consumption and Blood Pressure: Results of the Second Wave of Cognition in Older People, Education, Recreational Activities, Nutrition, Comorbidities, and Functional Capacity Studies (COPERNICUS). Nutrients. 2021 Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? U.S. Food and Drug Administration Coffee drinking timing and mortality in US Heart Journal. 2025 Coffee and Arterial Hypertension Reports. 2021 This Popular Morning Habit Could Spike Your Blood Pressure—Here's What a Cardiologist Wants You To Know first appeared on Parade on Jul 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
