This article discusses the impact of coffee consumption on blood pressure and heart health. Here are the main points: **Short-term effects:** * Drinking coffee may increase blood pressure temporarily, with an average increase of 8 mm Hg in systolic and 6 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. * This effect is observed for up to three hours after consumption. * However, this effect is not associated with a significant impact on blood pressure or heart disease risk. **Long-term effects:** * Regular coffee consumption is unlikely to have a significant impact on blood pressure or heart disease risk, even in people with high blood pressure. * Research suggests that daily coffee consumption may actually reduce the risk of heart disease and premature death. **Health benefits:** * Coffee contains multiple bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant effects, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. * Moderate coffee consumption (3-5 cups per day) is linked to a 15% reduction in heart disease risk and lower risk of premature death. **Who should be cautious?** * People with high blood pressure should be aware that excessive caffeine intake can lead to increased blood pressure. * If you don't already drink coffee regularly, it's recommended to wait until your blood pressure is under control before adding this beverage to your routine. **The bottom line:** * Coffee consumption may have short-term effects on blood pressure, but no long-term associations with increases in blood pressure or risk of heart disease have been found. * Moderate coffee consumption (3-5 cups per day) is likely a safe habit for most people, and the antioxidant content of coffee may promote heart health.