What is the best drink for angina? A Guide to Heart-Healthy Beverages

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research published in Frontiers in Physiology, mild dehydration can impair vascular function and increase strain on the heart, emphasizing the critical importance of proper fluid intake for individuals managing angina. The best drink for angina is fundamentally plain water, but other heart-healthy beverages can offer supplementary benefits to help manage symptoms and support overall cardiovascular health.

Quick Summary

This guide covers optimal beverage choices for managing angina, focusing on plain water for essential hydration, alongside heart-healthy teas, juices, and smoothies rich in antioxidants and nitrates. It also highlights drinks to avoid that can negatively impact heart health.

Key Points

Water is the primary choice: Optimal hydration with plain water is crucial as dehydration thickens blood, forcing the heart to work harder.
Teas offer antioxidant benefits: Green and hibiscus teas contain flavonoids that reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health.
Beetroot and pomegranate juices aid circulation: Beetroot provides nitrates to relax blood vessels, while pomegranate delivers antioxidants that prevent arterial narrowing.
Limit sugary and energy drinks: High sugar and caffeine in sodas, sweetened juices, and energy drinks can negatively impact blood pressure and heart rate.
Avoid excessive alcohol: Heavy alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and is linked to heart failure; moderate intake offers minimal heart benefits for most.
Smoothies are nutrient boosters: Heart-healthy smoothies with berries, leafy greens, and chia seeds can provide beneficial vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s.

For those living with angina, a symptom of underlying heart disease where the heart muscle isn't receiving enough oxygen-rich blood, diet and lifestyle are crucial factors in management. While medical treatment is essential, the right nutritional choices, including what you drink, can significantly impact heart function. The goal is to support cardiovascular health by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and maintaining proper hydration.

The Role of Hydration: Water is King

Plain, clean water is unequivocally the best beverage for overall health and is particularly critical for heart function. Proper hydration supports blood volume and flow, helping the heart pump efficiently with less strain. Dehydration can increase the heart's workload.

Heart-Healthy Beverage Choices

Beyond water, several other beverages containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can benefit heart health.

Teas: Antioxidant Powerhouses

Teas like green and black tea contain flavonoids, antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Green tea has catechins that may improve blood vessel function. Hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure.

Nutrient-Dense Juices and Smoothies

Certain juices and smoothies offer heart-friendly nutrients, but monitor sugar levels; opt for 100% juice without added sugars. Beetroot juice has nitrates that help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Pomegranate juice's antioxidants may help prevent artery hardening. Low-sodium tomato juice contains lycopene, linked to reduced heart disease risk. Smoothies with fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats boost nutrient intake.

Other Beneficial Drinks

Coffee (in moderation): Moderate intake (3-5 cups daily) may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
Unsweetened Plant-Based Milks: Options like soy, almond, or oat milk can support a heart-healthy diet. Oat milk contains beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol.

Drinks to Limit or Avoid

Some beverages can exacerbate heart disease risk factors and angina. Sugary drinks are linked to weight gain and inflammation. Energy drinks' high stimulants can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Excessive alcohol is linked to high blood pressure. Full-fat dairy drinks are high in saturated fat.

Comparison of Heart-Healthy Drinks


Drink Type	Primary Benefit(s)	Heart Health Factor	Things to Note
Plain Water	Essential hydration, blood volume, blood flow	Excellent	Should be the primary fluid intake.
Green Tea	Antioxidants, reduced inflammation	Very Good	Moderate caffeine, avoid added sugar.
Beetroot Juice	Nitric oxide, lowers blood pressure	Very Good	Potent, check for medication interactions.
Pomegranate Juice	Antioxidants, artery health	Very Good	High sugar, consume in moderation.
Low-Sodium Tomato Juice	Lycopene, minerals, cholesterol	Good	Read labels for high sodium content.
Coffee (Moderate)	Antioxidants, heart risk reduction	Good	Monitor caffeine intake, no added sugar or cream.
Unsweetened Plant Milk	Calcium, fiber, low fat	Good	Choose varieties with added calcium, check labels.

Incorporating Healthy Drinking Habits

Making small, consistent changes can lead to healthier drinking habits. Flavor water with fruit, carry a reusable bottle, drink water before meals, and substitute sugary drinks with unsweetened teas. Always discuss dietary changes with your doctor.

Conclusion: Sip Your Way to Better Heart Health

Prioritizing heart-healthy beverages is a key part of managing angina. Plain water is essential for hydration and reducing heart strain. Other drinks like green tea, beetroot juice, and antioxidant-rich smoothies offer additional benefits. Avoiding sugary, high-stimulant, and fatty drinks is also crucial. Dietary changes should always complement medical treatment, not replace it. More information can be found at {Link: Austin Heart austinheart.com/blog/entry/the-best-and-worst-drinks-for-heart-health} or {Link: NHLBI nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living/healthy-foods}.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there is no clear evidence that drinking cold water directly triggers angina, some individuals with sensitive blood vessels might experience mild chest discomfort with very cold temperatures. In general, drinking water at a comfortable temperature is best for hydration.

Moderate coffee intake (around 3-5 cups per day) is generally considered safe and may even offer heart benefits due to antioxidants. However, high caffeine sensitivity can lead to a faster heart rate, so monitor your body's reaction and discuss your intake with your doctor.

A general guideline is eight 8-ounce glasses per day, but individual needs vary based on age, activity level, and climate. A good indicator of proper hydration is having light-colored urine. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Sugary drinks contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased triglycerides, which all raise the risk of heart disease and can worsen angina symptoms. They provide empty calories and inflammation.

While 100% fruit juice contains nutrients, it's also high in natural sugars and lacks the fiber of whole fruit. Excessive intake can contribute to high blood sugar and weight gain. Limit 100% juice to a small glass (125ml) per day and avoid sugary 'fruit drinks' entirely.

Beetroot juice is generally safe, but its blood pressure-lowering effect from nitrates can sometimes be a concern if you are already on medication for high blood pressure. It is always best to consult your doctor to ensure no interaction with your current treatment plan.

The research on diet drinks is still mixed, with some studies linking them to weight gain and cardiovascular risks. Plain, carbonated, or unsweetened flavored water is a much safer and healthier alternative to both regular and diet sodas.