Caffeine can raise blood pressure for a short time, so avoid it for 30 minutes before you measure. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure over time; the AHA advises limiting it.
Coffee and energy drinks
Caffeine can raise blood pressure for a short time. Many energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar.
Alcohol
Drinking too much can raise blood pressure over time. The American Heart Association says if you drink, have no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 for men.
When you measure
No caffeine, exercise or smoking for 30 minutes before you measure. See How to take your blood pressure at home.
How FourNumbers helps
Daily check-ins let you tag coffee, alcohol or stress, so you can see patterns in your trends.
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