Is Coffee Good for Low Blood Pressure?

I have always read that people with high blood pressure (hypertension) should avoid coffee because it will make their condition worse. I have diabetes, and recently I started having bouts of low blood pressure (hypotension), especially upon standing when I get really dizzy. I’m thinking if coffee raises blood pressure, could it help me? Is coffee good for low blood pressure?

If you have low blood pressure, drinking caffeinated coffee may temporarily elevate your blood pressure. Some studies have shown a small and short-lasting increase in blood pressure after consuming caffeinated beverages such as coffee or tea.

The higher the caffeine content of the coffee, the greater the effect on blood pressure. An increase in blood pressure is observed within the first hour after consuming caffeine, and the effect can last up to about three hours. However, regular coffee drinkers who consume caffeinated coffee for more than two weeks may not see any increase in blood pressure after drinking.

For more information, read our full medical article on low blood pressure.