Recovering from a stroke involves more than just physical therapy and medication. Your heart, which may have been strained by the event, needs consistent support. One often overlooked aspect of cardiac recovery is what you drink. While no beverage can replace medical treatment, certain drinks contain compounds that research suggests may help lower or regulate a resting heart rate that runs high after a stroke.
Below, we look at three drinks that have shown promise in supporting a healthier heart rate, always as part of a broader recovery plan overseen by your healthcare team.
1. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea, made from the dried calyces of the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, is naturally caffeine-free and has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. Its deep red color comes from anthocyanins—plant pigments that act as antioxidants.
Several small clinical trials have found that drinking hibiscus tea can modestly lower both systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate in people with mild hypertension. Since high blood pressure is a major risk factor for both stroke and elevated heart rate after a stroke, this tea offers a dual benefit. The proposed mechanism involves inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which relaxes blood vessels and eases the workload on the heart.
To incorporate it, steep one tea bag or a tablespoon of dried hibiscus in hot water for five to 10 minutes. Drink one to two cups per day. Avoid if you are on blood-pressure medication without your doctor’s approval, as it can enhance the effects.
2. Tart cherry juice
Tart cherry juice, particularly from Montmorency cherries, is rich in natural melatonin and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Heart-rate regulation is complex, but inflammation and oxidative stress can interfere with the electrical signaling that sets the heart's rhythm.
In a 2021 randomized controlled trial, adults with metabolic syndrome who drank 240 mL (about one cup) of Montmorency tart cherry juice daily for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in resting heart rate compared with a placebo group. Researchers attribute this to the fruit’s ability to reduce systemic inflammation and improve vascular function.
Choose unsweetened tart cherry juice to avoid added sugar, which can counter heart-rate benefits. Start with a 4-ounce (120 mL) serving diluted in water or seltzer, and monitor how your body responds.
Tip: If you take blood thinners like warfarin, check with your doctor before drinking tart cherry juice regularly, as it is high in vitamin K and may affect clotting.
3. Beetroot juice
Beetroot juice is one of the most studied dietary interventions for cardiovascular health. Its key active compound is nitrate, which the body converts into nitric oxide—a molecule that relaxes blood vessel walls, improves circulation, and reduces the oxygen demand on the heart.
Several studies show that a single dose of beetroot juice (about 500 mL of concentrated juice, or a smaller dose of a commercial shot) can lower resting heart rate within two to three hours, likely because the heart no longer has to pump as hard against stiff arteries. In a 2015 study on older adults with high blood pressure, drinking beetroot juice lowered both systolic pressure and resting heart rate over a 24-hour period.
Because commercial beetroot juice can be very high in sodium, look for low-sodium versions or make fresh juice at home. Start with 2–3 ounces (60–90 mL) once per day. Be aware that it may turn urine and stools pink—this is harmless but can be alarming if you are not expecting it.
Important considerations for stroke survivors
Caffeine sensitivity varies widely after a stroke. If you are used to coffee or tea, small amounts may be fine, but abrupt increases in caffeine can spike heart rate. The drinks above are either naturally caffeine-free or very low in caffeine (beetroot juice contains none; tart cherry juice has trace amounts; hibiscus is caffeine-free). This makes them safer choices for heart-rate management.
Always discuss dietary changes, especially with concentrated juices or herbal teas, with your neurologist or cardiologist. Some compounds can interact with blood pressure medications, diuretics, or blood thinners.
Hydration itself also matters. Dehydration can elevate resting heart rate because blood volume drops and the heart beats faster to maintain circulation. Alongside these specific drinks, plain water remains foundational.
