This study evaluated the cardiovascular effects and elimination kinetics of coffee and caffeine in 54 volunteers selected according to 3 gradations of daily caffeine consumption, cigarette smoking status and the presence of caffeine intolerance. After 24 hours of caffeine abstinence, subjects received coffee and 2.2 mg/kg of caffeine (equivalent to 2 cups of coffee). Blood pressure, heart rate, systolic time intervals and plasma concentrations of caffeine were measured before and at timed intervals after coffee and caffeine. There were no differences in response to coffee and caffeine. The average systolic/diastolic blood pressure increased 9/10 mm Hg. The maximal decrease in heart rate averaged 10 beats/min, and there were small increases in the systolic time intervals. There were no cardiovascular differences among the various groups. Caffeine in the smokers and heavy caffeine users had a shorter half-life (3.2 and 4.1 hours) than that in nonsmokers and nonusers (5.1 and 5.3 hours). In the caffeine-intolerant group it had a longer half-life, while the cardiovascular effects were similar to those of the other groups. Thus, irrespective of the amount of daily caffeine consumption, smoking status or caffeine intolerance, the cardiovascular responses were similar and tolerance, if present, was gone by 24 hours.