Blood pressure responds to what we drink, not just what we eat. While many are aware that foods like potato chips, bacon, microwave popcorn, and excessive salt can raise blood pressure, other unexpected items can also contribute to increased blood pressure and inflammation. As well, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol each influence blood pressure differently. Yet, small daily habits can either help or strain heart health. Doctify connects you with experienced GPs that can help with these daily habits.
Understanding blood pressure and why it fluctuates
The systolic pressure is equivalent to the force of the blood flow when blood is pumped out of the heart, while the diastolic pressure corresponds to the filling with blood of the heart. The heart and blood vessels respond to stimulants, sugar spikes, and fluid shifts. This is since stimulants cause the heart to beat faster and with greater force, both of which can raise blood pressure. Even mild changes in the diet matter over time, they make the difference.
While no single food or drink will be solely responsible for hypertension (high blood pressure), there are a number of foods and drinks which, when consumed excessively, can contribute to raised blood pressure.
Dr Piya Sen Gupta – Doctify Diabetes & Endocrinology Specialist
Caffeinated drinks: coffee, tea, energy drinks
Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee and caffeinated teas, stimulate the nervous system by increasing alertness and neuron firing, which triggers adrenaline glands to release adrenaline, causing a temporary raise in the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine, for example those patients with hypertension, palpitations, or anxiety.
Energy drinks, containing caffeine + other stimulants, may cause a larger spike since the release of adrenaline is potentiated by the caffeine, lots of sugar, and the other stimulants, creating the “perfect storm” and overwhelming the cardiovascular system. Drinks like Red Bull or Monster can cause blood pressure spikes; one can containing 300mg of caffeine may affect sensitive individuals
People should limit their caffeinated drinks intake throughout the day and limit the consumption of energy drinks, since creating safe limits and timing throughout the day can be very beneficial for your cardiovascular system.
Sugary beverages: soft drinks, sweetened coffees, and juices
High sugar intake can cause blood pressure rises through insulin spikes and fluid retention by prompting kidneys to retain sodium and water, as a result increasing the blood pressure. The body is receiving an added strain, caused by sugary cold brews, frappes, or flavoured teas.
Daily sugar guidelines recommend adults limit added sugars to under 10% of daily calories (about 12 teaspoons/50g), with ideally less than 5% (6 teaspoons/25g) for better health. Nevertheless, sugary drinks easily push you over, with a single can of soda often containing 10 teaspoons (39g or more) of sugar. The most heart-friendly drink is water, since it reduces the blood pressure burden.
Alcohol and blood pressure: what happens after drinking
Alcohol can raise blood pressure both short-term and long-term by constricting blood vessels and making them stiff and less responsive, affecting the ability of the body to regulate blood pressure effectively. Drinking alcohol for drinking days can cause huge effects on the body, in comparison to an occasional use, since consecutive drinking produces an inflammatory response in the body that can become chronic and predisposes to many diseases. Often, stronger drinks and mixers carry more risk, so be careful with them, you might be at risk if you consume high amounts constantly.
Practical swaps for better heart health
Here are some tips and recommendations that can help for a better heart health:
- Implementing easy alternatives for coffee lovers, for example: half-caf, smaller servings.
- Hydrating, drink a minimum of 2 liters of water each day.
- Drinking low-sugar options, like infused water or herbal tea.
- Consider lower-alcohol choices and alcohol-free substitutes.
- Switch sugar with sweeteners, to reduce sugar without losing flavour.
- Exercising or moving regularly.
- Stress management (meditation, spending time outside) and a good sleeping routine.
- Avoiding other harmful substances that may contribute to high blood pressure or its effects e.g. smoking, drugs, alcohol.
When to speak to a cardiologist or GP
If you experience any of the following, please contact a cardiologist or a GP:
- Blood pressure spikes after certain drinks.
- You have hypertension and rely heavily on caffeine or energy drinks.
- You’re noticing headaches, palpitations, or dizziness after beverages.
- Your blood pressure is persistently high >140/90mmHg.
Final takeaway
Many favourite drinks influence blood pressure more than people realise, such as caffeinated drinks, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Small swaps can significantly support and improve your heart health. Monitoring and simple adjustments with a cardiologist or a GP can improve blood pressure control. Doctify helps readers find a cardiologist or GP for personalised guidance.
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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 16/12/2025
