Does caffeine raise blood pressure?

Caffeine can raise your blood pressure for a short time, especially if you do not usually have it. But the British Heart Foundation (BHF) says a moderate amount of caffeine every day is not linked to a higher risk of long-term high blood pressure. If you are having your blood pressure checked, the BHF advises waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes after any coffee or tea. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, check with your doctor.

Key points
• Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, especially in people who do not usually have it (BHF).
• A moderate daily amount is not linked to a higher risk of long-term high blood pressure (BHF).
• Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after coffee or tea before a blood pressure check (BHF).
• Diagnosed with high blood pressure? You probably will not need to cut down, but check with your doctor (BHF).
• Up to 400 mg a day, around 4 to 5 cups of tea or coffee, is generally considered safe for most adults (BHF).

Table of contents

• Does caffeine raise blood pressure?
• Caffeine and long-term blood pressure
• Caffeine before a blood pressure check
• If you have high blood pressure
• How much caffeine is in your drinks?
• FAQ

Does caffeine raise blood pressure?

Yes, for a while. The BHF says caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure, especially in people who do not usually drink it (BHF, updated June 2026). The BHF also notes that your heart rate may rise slightly after caffeine, especially if you are sensitive to its effects. More: Caffeine sensitivity · How much caffeine is too much? · Caffeine pouches in the UK

Caffeine and long-term blood pressure

According to the BHF, having a moderate amount of caffeine every day is not linked to an increased risk of long-term high blood pressure. The BHF says up to 400 mg of caffeine a day, or around 4 to 5 cups of tea or coffee, is generally considered safe for most adults.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) say that at very high levels caffeine can cause anxiety, sleeplessness, agitation, palpitations, diarrhoea and restlessness, and that these effects can be stronger in people with heart disease or high blood pressure (FSA and FSS, 2024).

Caffeine before a blood pressure check

Because caffeine can raise blood pressure for a short time, the BHF advises waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes after any coffee or tea before having your blood pressure checked.

If you have high blood pressure

The BHF says that if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and already drink caffeine regularly, you will probably not need to cut down, but you should check with your doctor. If you are unsure about caffeine and your blood pressure, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

How much caffeine is in your drinks?

Drink	Serving	Caffeine
Decaffeinated tea	220 ml	about 2 mg
Green tea	220 ml	about 35 mg
Standard cola	355 ml	about 40 mg
Black tea	220 ml	about 50 mg
Espresso	60 ml	about 80 mg
Standard energy drink	250 ml	about 80 mg
Filtered or instant coffee	200 ml	about 90 mg

Source: BHF.

The NHS uses rounder figures for a mug: about 75 mg for tea, 100 mg for instant coffee and 140 mg for filter coffee (NHS). To add up your day, try our caffeine calculator. More: Caffeine in coffee vs tea vs green tea · How much caffeine is in decaf coffee?

FAQ

Does caffeine raise blood pressure?
It can, temporarily, especially in people who do not usually have caffeine (BHF).

Does coffee cause high blood pressure in the long term?
The BHF says a moderate amount of caffeine every day is not linked to an increased risk of long-term high blood pressure.

How long should I wait after coffee before checking my blood pressure?
At least 30 to 60 minutes after any coffee or tea, according to the BHF.

Should I stop caffeine if I have high blood pressure?
The BHF says you will probably not need to cut down if you already drink caffeine regularly, but check with your doctor.

Read next: Caffeine sensitivity · How much caffeine is too much? · How long does caffeine last?