Tea has long been linked to better heart health, improved metabolism, and healthy aging. Most research, though, has focused on healthy adults.
A new study now suggests tea may also help people already living with coronary heart disease (CHD), one of the most common heart conditions in the United States.
Researchers found that regular tea consumption was tied to a lower risk of major cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke. The findings add another layer to the growing interest in how simple daily habits may support long-term heart health.
Study Examined More Than 25,000 Adults
Coronary heart disease affects roughly 1 in 20 U.S. adults and remains a leading cause of serious cardiovascular complications. People diagnosed with CHD face a higher chance of future heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular-related death.
To explore whether tea could influence those risks, researchers reviewed data from more than 25,000 adults with established CHD enrolled in the UK Biobank. Participants were monitored for an average of 13.9 years. During that period, researchers tracked major adverse cardiovascular events, often called MACE.
The study also evaluated C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker linked to inflammation, along with lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a genetic factor associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Scientists wanted to see whether either marker affected the relationship between tea intake and heart outcomes.
Three Cups Showed the Strongest Benefit
The results pointed to one consistent pattern. Drinking around three cups of tea per day was associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk.
Compared with people who did not drink tea, those consuming roughly three daily cups had a 17% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Drinking four or more cups still appeared beneficial, although the protective effect did not increase beyond the three-cup range.
Researchers also noticed stronger associations in participants who started with higher inflammation levels. Since inflammation plays a major role in cardiovascular disease progression, this finding aligns with previous research linking tea to anti-inflammatory effects.
People with lower Lp(a) levels also appeared to benefit more. Still, researchers noted that Lp(a) itself did not directly explain tea’s protective effect. Instead, inflammation may influence which individuals experience the greatest cardiovascular support from regular tea intake.
Why Tea May Support Heart Health
Tea contains polyphenols and plant compounds that may help blood vessels function more efficiently while reducing oxidative stress. These processes are closely connected to the progression of heart disease.
The study did not separate participants by tea variety, so researchers could not determine whether one specific type produced stronger results. Green tea, however, continues to stand out in cardiovascular research because of its high concentration of catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
EGCG has been associated with healthier cholesterol levels, improved blood vessel function, and reduced oxidative damage.
Black tea and oolong tea also contain beneficial plant compounds. Herbal teas may offer additional wellness benefits depending on the ingredients used. Mixing different tea varieties throughout the day may help people comfortably reach the three-cup range highlighted in the study.
Coffee May Offer Similar Effects
People who do not enjoy tea are not necessarily missing out on heart-supportive beverages. Separate research has linked moderate coffee intake to cardiovascular benefits as well. Several studies suggest that about three cups of coffee daily, or roughly 24 ounces, may support heart health when consumed as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Caffeinated drinks such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and coffee are generally better consumed earlier in the day since they may interfere with sleep quality. Herbal teas can be a better option during the evening or before bedtime.
The findings highlight a clear link between moderate tea consumption and a lower risk of cardiovascular complications in people with coronary heart disease.
Adding around three cups of tea to a daily routine may support heart health when combined with medical treatment, nutritious eating habits, regular movement, and quality sleep.