Can people with hypertension drink tea? What are the effects?

Feb 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
People with hypertension can drink tea, which usually does not have a significant impact on high blood pressure, but they should avoid strong tea. Regular, moderate tea consumption may help lower and stabilize blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Tea contains various substances that help regulate blood pressure, such as amino acids, tea polyphenols, and tea polysaccharides. However, hypertensive patients should not drink tea immediately after taking antihypertensive medications.

Hypertensive patients can drink tea, which generally does not have a significant impact on high blood pressure, but they should avoid strong tea.

Regular and moderate tea consumption may help lower and stabilize blood pressure. Tea contains various substances that help regulate blood pressure, such as amino acids, tea polyphenols, and tea polysaccharides, which can help alleviate hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Oolong tea and chrysanthemum tea are particularly suitable for long-term consumption by hypertensive patients, as they can dilute the blood and improve circulation.

Hypertensive patients should avoid drinking strong tea and consuming tea before bedtime, as the caffeine in strong tea can stimulate the central nervous system and potentially cause insomnia, which is detrimental to rest. They should also avoid drinking large amounts of tea in a short period, because rapid absorption of large volumes of liquid may increase the burden on the heart. Additionally, caffeine and theophylline in tea may accelerate heart rate.

Moreover, hypertensive patients should not drink tea immediately after taking antihypertensive medication. Tannic acid in tea can interfere with drug absorption; it's best to wait at least half an hour after taking medication before drinking tea.