A new long-term study has revealed that coffee consumption may not pose a significant risk to individuals with hypertension. Researchers from the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy have found that habitual coffee drinking is not linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or death in people with high blood pressure.

The study, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, tracked 943 hypertensive patients for 25 years. Participants were divided into groups based on their coffee consumption, and researchers compared the rates of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality between the groups.

Surprisingly, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality rates between those who drank coffee and those who did not. In fact, coffee drinkers showed a slightly lower risk of both cardiovascular disease and overall death, though this difference did not reach statistical significance.

"Our findings suggest that individuals with hypertension, even those who are older or taking antihypertensive medications, can safely enjoy coffee," said Guido Grassi, Professor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Milano-Bicocca. "These results apply to both male and female patients."

The study's strengths include its long duration, focus on a middle-aged population, and the measurement of participants' actual blood pressure. Previous research has also shown that moderate coffee consumption (up to three cups per day) generally does not adversely affect blood pressure or may even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, the researchers caution that individuals with hypertension should be mindful of consuming caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, in cold environments. The diuretic effect of caffeine can lead to fluid loss and a drop in body temperature, which may cause blood vessels to constrict and increase blood pressure.

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