How does caffeine impact your heart rate. What are the potential risks of excessive caffeine consumption. Can caffeine cause heart palpitations. Is moderate caffeine intake safe for most people. What are the signs of caffeine sensitivity. How can you determine your optimal caffeine intake.

The Prevalence and Sources of Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine is a ubiquitous stimulant in modern society, with its consumption deeply ingrained in our daily routines. Over 85% of the U.S. population consumes at least one caffeinated beverage daily, with coffee, tea, and soft drinks accounting for 96% of this intake. This widespread use raises important questions about caffeine’s effects on our bodies, particularly our cardiovascular system.

Given its popularity, it’s crucial to understand how caffeine interacts with our heart health. While many enjoy their daily cup of coffee or tea without incident, others may experience concerning symptoms like heart palpitations. But what exactly is the relationship between caffeine and our heart?

Common Sources of Caffeine

• Coffee
• Tea
• Soft drinks
• Energy drinks
• Chocolate
• Some medications

Understanding Caffeine’s Impact on the Cardiovascular System

Caffeine is known for its stimulant effects, which can influence various aspects of our cardiovascular function. But how exactly does it affect our heart?

When consumed, caffeine can lead to a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. For most people, this effect is mild and short-lived. However, in some individuals or at high doses, caffeine can potentially trigger more noticeable cardiovascular effects.

Caffeine’s Effects on Heart Rate

One of the most immediate impacts of caffeine on the cardiovascular system is its effect on heart rate. But does caffeine always cause an increase in heart rate?

Research suggests that the relationship between caffeine and heart rate is complex. While some studies show a temporary increase in heart rate after caffeine consumption, others have found little to no effect in regular caffeine consumers. This discrepancy may be due to individual differences in caffeine sensitivity and tolerance.

Exploring the Link Between Caffeine and Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are a common concern among caffeine consumers. But what exactly are heart palpitations, and how might caffeine contribute to them?

Heart palpitations refer to the sensation of your heart beating irregularly, whether it’s racing, pounding, or fluttering. While palpitations can have various causes, some people report experiencing them after consuming caffeinated beverages.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

• Stress or anxiety
• Exercise
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes
• Caffeine or other stimulants
• Underlying heart conditions

The relationship between caffeine and heart palpitations is not straightforward. While some individuals report experiencing palpitations after caffeine consumption, scientific studies have yielded mixed results. Some research suggests a link, while other studies have found no significant association in healthy individuals.

The Potential Risks of Excessive Caffeine Intake

While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe for most people, excessive intake can lead to various adverse effects. But what constitutes “excessive,” and what are the potential risks?

The FDA suggests that up to 400 mg of caffeine a day (about 4-5 cups of coffee) is not generally associated with dangerous negative effects in healthy adults. However, consuming more than this amount can potentially lead to several health issues.

Possible Side Effects of High Caffeine Intake

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Insomnia
• Digestive issues
• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• In extreme cases, caffeine toxicity

It’s important to note that these effects can vary significantly between individuals due to differences in caffeine sensitivity and tolerance. Some people may experience adverse effects at lower doses, while others may tolerate higher amounts without issue.

Caffeine’s Effect on Heart Rhythm

One of the more serious potential effects of high caffeine intake is its impact on heart rhythm. But can caffeine really cause significant changes in your heart’s electrical activity?

In some cases, excessive caffeine consumption has been associated with alterations in heart rhythm, including a condition called atrial fibrillation. This is an irregular heart rhythm characterized by rapid and disorganized electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart.

Atrial Fibrillation and Caffeine

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm. While various factors can trigger AFib, some studies have suggested a potential link with high caffeine intake. But is this connection consistent across all individuals?

Research on the relationship between caffeine and AFib has produced mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of AFib with high caffeine consumption, particularly from energy drinks. However, other research suggests that moderate caffeine intake may not significantly increase the risk of AFib in most people.

It’s worth noting that individual responses to caffeine can vary greatly. Some people with pre-existing heart conditions may be more sensitive to caffeine’s effects on heart rhythm, while others may tolerate even high doses without any noticeable impact.

Understanding Individual Variability in Caffeine Sensitivity

One of the challenges in studying caffeine’s effects on heart health is the significant variability in how individuals respond to caffeine. But what factors contribute to these differences?

Genetic factors play a crucial role in determining an individual’s caffeine sensitivity. Variations in genes related to caffeine metabolism and adenosine receptors (which caffeine blocks) can influence how a person responds to caffeine.

Factors Affecting Caffeine Sensitivity

• Genetics
• Regular caffeine consumption (tolerance)
• Age
• Body weight
• Medications
• Existing health conditions

Due to these factors, what might be a moderate and well-tolerated dose for one person could potentially cause side effects in another. This variability underscores the importance of paying attention to your own body’s response to caffeine.

The Potential Benefits of Moderate Caffeine Consumption

While much of our discussion has focused on the potential risks of excessive caffeine intake, it’s important to note that moderate caffeine consumption may offer several health benefits. But what exactly are these benefits, and how much caffeine is considered “moderate”?

According to numerous studies, moderate caffeine intake (typically defined as 300-400 mg per day for adults) has been associated with several potential health benefits:

Potential Benefits of Moderate Caffeine Intake

• Improved cognitive function and alertness
• Enhanced physical performance
• Potential reduced risk of certain diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, type 2 diabetes)
• Antioxidant properties
• Potential mood-boosting effects

It’s important to remember that these benefits are generally associated with moderate consumption. The key is finding the right balance that works for your individual physiology and lifestyle.

Determining Your Optimal Caffeine Intake

Given the variability in caffeine sensitivity and the potential for both benefits and risks, how can you determine the right amount of caffeine for you? The answer lies in careful self-observation and, when necessary, consultation with healthcare professionals.

Steps to Assess Your Caffeine Tolerance

1. Monitor your caffeine intake: Keep track of how much caffeine you consume daily from all sources.
2. Observe your body’s reactions: Pay attention to how you feel after consuming caffeine. Do you experience any negative symptoms?
3. Evaluate your sleep quality: Caffeine can affect sleep, even when consumed earlier in the day. Assess whether your caffeine intake is impacting your sleep.
4. Consider gradual reduction: If you’re experiencing negative effects, try gradually reducing your caffeine intake and observe any changes.
5. Consult a healthcare professional: If you have concerns about how caffeine affects your heart health, discuss them with your doctor.

Remember, the goal is to find a balance where you can enjoy the potential benefits of caffeine without experiencing negative side effects.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Caffeine and Heart Health

While moderate caffeine consumption is generally safe for most people, there are situations where it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional about your caffeine intake. But what are these situations, and what should you look out for?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, particularly in relation to caffeine consumption, it’s important to seek medical advice:

• Persistent or severe heart palpitations
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Significant sleep disturbances

Additionally, if you have a pre-existing heart condition or are taking medications that might interact with caffeine, it’s crucial to discuss your caffeine consumption with your healthcare provider.

What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation

If you consult a doctor about caffeine-related heart concerns, what can you expect? Your healthcare provider will likely:

1. Take a detailed medical history, including your caffeine consumption habits
2. Perform a physical examination
3. Possibly order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood tests
4. Discuss your symptoms and their potential relation to caffeine
5. Provide personalized advice on caffeine consumption based on your individual health status

Remember, open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is key to ensuring your caffeine habits are not negatively impacting your heart health.

Alternatives and Strategies for Reducing Caffeine Intake

If you’ve determined that you need to reduce your caffeine intake for heart health or other reasons, what are some effective strategies and alternatives? Cutting back on caffeine doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite beverages entirely.

Gradual Reduction Strategies

• Slowly decrease your caffeine intake over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms
• Mix regular and decaf versions of your favorite beverages, gradually increasing the proportion of decaf
• Switch to smaller serving sizes
• Set a cutoff time for caffeine consumption (e.g., no caffeine after 2 PM)

Caffeine Alternatives

Consider trying these caffeine-free options to replace or supplement your usual caffeinated beverages:

• Herbal teas (e.g., peppermint, chamomile, rooibos)
• Decaffeinated coffee or tea
• Sparkling water with fruit
• Golden milk (made with turmeric and other spices)
• Chicory root “coffee”

Remember, it’s not just about finding substitutes, but also addressing the underlying reasons for your caffeine consumption. If you rely on caffeine for energy, consider other ways to boost your energy levels naturally, such as improving sleep habits, regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet.

The Future of Caffeine Research and Heart Health

As our understanding of caffeine’s effects on the body continues to evolve, what can we expect from future research in this area? And how might this impact recommendations for caffeine consumption?

Current research trends suggest several exciting avenues for future study:

• Genetic factors influencing caffeine metabolism and sensitivity
• Long-term effects of different levels of caffeine consumption on heart health
• Potential protective effects of caffeine against certain cardiovascular diseases
• Interactions between caffeine and other dietary components or medications
• Effects of caffeine on specific populations (e.g., elderly, adolescents, pregnant women)

As research progresses, we may see more personalized recommendations for caffeine consumption based on individual genetic profiles and health status. This could lead to more nuanced guidelines that take into account the complex interplay between caffeine, genetics, and overall health.

Implications for Public Health Recommendations

How might future research findings impact public health recommendations regarding caffeine consumption? While it’s impossible to predict with certainty, we might see:

• More detailed guidelines based on age, health status, and genetic factors
• Increased emphasis on monitoring individual responses to caffeine
• Potentially revised recommendations for safe upper limits of caffeine consumption
• Greater focus on the timing of caffeine consumption and its effects on sleep and circadian rhythms

As always, it’s important to stay informed about the latest research findings and recommendations from reputable health organizations. However, remember that individual responses to caffeine can vary greatly, so personal observation and, when necessary, professional medical advice should guide your caffeine consumption habits.

Caffeine Effect On Your Heart

Tea and coffee are amazingly beneficial beverages. The majority contain caffeine, a substance that can enhance your mood, metabolism, and mental and physical performance. Studies also show that it is safe for most people when consumed at low to moderate levels. Nevertheless, high intakes of caffeine can have uncomfortable and dangerous side effects.

In addition, several pieces of research show that genes significantly influence tolerance. As a result, some people can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing adverse effects. In addition, people not used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is generally considered a moderate dose.

Some side effects of excessive caffeine intake can include anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, muscle breakdown, addiction, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, fatigue, frequent urination, and urgency. However, the bottom line is that light-to-moderate caffeine consumption appears to provide impressive health benefits to many people.

On the other hand, high dosages can cause side effects that interfere with daily life and even cause serious health problems. Even though reactions differ from one person to another, the results of high intake demonstrate that more is not necessarily better. So, you can get the benefits of caffeine without undesirable effects, make an accurate evaluation of your sleep, energy levels, and other factors influenced, and reduce your intake if necessary.

Rapid Heart Rate

The stimulant effects of high caffeine intake can make your heart beat faster. Unfortunately, it can also lead to an altered heart rhythm, called atrial fibrillation. This disorganized heart rhythm occurs in the upper chambers of the heart. It is the most common arrhythmia; it happens when many unstable electrical impulses fail and can cause the atria to quiver out of control. It causes the heart rate to increase and become erratic and can raise your heart rate much faster than average.

This situation shows when youths consume energy beverages containing extremely high doses of caffeine. In one case study, a woman taking a massive amount of caffeine powder and tablets in a suicide attempt developed a fast heart rate, kidney failure, and other serious health problems.

Nevertheless, this effect does not seem to occur in everyone; some individuals with cardiac issues may be able to tolerate enormous amounts of caffeine without any adverse effects. For example, in a controlled study, when fifty-one patients with heart failure consumed one hundred mg of caffeine every sixty minutes for five hours, their heart rates and rhythms remained normal. Regardless of the study’s mixed results, if you notice any change in your heart frequency or rhythm after drinking caffeinated drinks, consider reducing your consumption.

Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine is an incredibly popular stimulant. More than 85% of the US population consumes at least one caffeinated beverage daily, with 96% coming from coffee, tea, and soft drinks. If you enjoy caffeinated beverages but have noticed heart palpitations, you may wonder if your daily caffeinated beverage is guilty of causing the heart palpitations.

You should try to keep your heart as healthy as possible. Heart palpitations, although brief and short-lived, should not be ignored, as they may indicate an underlying problem with your heart. Visit your doctor if you suspect that lifestyle habits such as drinking caffeine are causing these heart symptoms. Your doctor should perform a comprehensive evaluation to check the health of your heart. We will discuss caffeine, how it can cause heart palpitations, and what you can do about it.

Heart Palpitations

Most of the time, you are probably unaware of your heartbeat or rhythm. An average resting heart rate is sixty to a hundred beats per minute, and the heart has a characteristic rhythm when it beats. Unless your heart beats fast or forcefully, you may not notice it beating. Heart palpitation is when sensing that your heart is beating irregularly. It may feel like banging, pulsing too quickly, or pounding. Typical reasons for heart palpitations include exercise, stress, and certain medications. Stimulants, including caffeine, affect heart rate, but just how does it affect the heart?

Caffeine And Your Heart

One of the most investigated dietary ingredients is caffeine, and we know a lot about how it impacts the body. But the research exploring caffeine’s link to heart palpitations has been inconsistent, with some studies reporting a connection and others not. This situation is because, in healthy people, caffeine does not appear to cause heart palpitations. Still, some individuals may be more susceptible to the effects of caffeine and may experience cardiac symptoms such as palpitations.

Caffeine affects the heart in multiple ways. For instance, it promotes the release of noradrenaline and norepinephrine. Noradrenaline is a chemical produced by some nerve cells and in the adrenal gland; norepinephrine is a vasoconstrictor used as a vasopressor. First, these hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, caffeine can act on enzymes that stimulate heart contractions, causing the heart to contract more forcefully.

Are Palpitations Because Of Caffeine Consumption?

For many years, researchers believed that caffeine’s stimulant effects on the heart were responsible for heart palpitations. Recent investigation suggests that this is not necessarily the case. However, that doesn’t mean caffeine isn’t causing your heart symptoms and doesn’t vindicate caffeine entirely.

The body adjusts to the effects of caffeine. Therefore, it is unlikely that healthy people who regularly drink coffee will experience symptoms such as heart palpitations. However, caffeine can cause heart palpitations in people with caffeine sensitivity and those with an underlying heart condition.

If you are new to consuming caffeine or are used to drinking excessive amounts, you are more likely to experience cardiac symptoms. However, the only way to be sure is to visit a heart specialist for a checkup.

Caffeine Overdose Is Rare

Caffeine overdose is very rare. It generally implies high amounts of caffeine consumed in powder or tablet form, not drinks. The reason is simple; it is very complicated to get that much caffeine when drinking fluids because of the time it takes to consume them. The lethal dose of caffeine for most people is about ten grams, although this varies from person to person. A cup of coffee has approximately a hundred to two hundred milligrams of caffeine. An energy drink contains between fifty and three hundred mg of caffeine. A can of soda generally has less than seventy mg. Therefore, even with the most caffeinated energy drink, you would still have to drink about thirty of them in quick succession to reach the ten grams range.

If you tried to drink that many beverages with caffeine, chances are your body would halt you before reaching toxic levels. Most of the time, if individuals have severe signs of caffeine toxicity, it starts with nausea and vomiting. So that is somewhat protective because you get sick and throw up the caffeine before it gets too toxic. However, with caffeine powder or tablets, you may be ingesting a large amount simultaneously. One teaspoon of the powder has three thousand and two hundred mg of caffeine.

If you suspect a caffeine overdose, go to the emergency room, and report it to your doctor any caffeinated products you consumed before having symptoms. Your doctor may also monitor your breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. In addition, they may check your temperature and undergo a urine or blood test to identify medications in your system.

Usually, there are no long-term health problems after treating caffeine overdose, but this situation can be life-threatening, especially for younger patients, such as infants and young children. Caffeine overdoses can also worsen pre-existing health conditions, such as anxiety. When the administration of the treatment is too late, it can result in irreversible health problems and even death. At the very least, you should call the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) if you suspect a caffeine overdose.

Treatment In Case Of Caffeine Overdose

The treatment for a caffeine overdose should be getting it out of the body while controlling the symptoms. You may need to take activated charcoal, a common drug overdose remedy that often prevents caffeine from entering the gastrointestinal tract. If caffeine has already entered your gastrointestinal tract, you may have to use a laxative or gastric lavage. Gastric lavage involves utilizing a tube to pump and wash out the contents of your stomach.

Your physician will likely choose the procedure that works fastest to get the caffeine out of your body. During this time, the doctor will monitor your heart through an ECG (electrocardiogram). You may also receive respiratory support when necessary.

Home treatment may not always speed up your body’s metabolism to eliminate caffeine. If you are unsure whether you need treatment, call your doctor or the Poison Control Department and describe your symptoms. If they say your symptoms are severe, you may need immediate treatment at your local hospital.

Importance Of A Heart Health Check

It is vital to get a medical screening if you have heart symptoms. Several heart conditions can cause heart palpitations, which include atrial fibrillation, mitral valve prolapse, mitral valve prolapse, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and atrial flutter. Some of these conditions can be serious and may require treatment.

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How Does Caffeine Affect the Heart?

Do you love your morning cup of coffee but fear that it could be harmful to your heart health?

If so, you’re not alone. Researchers have been studying the effects of caffeine on the heart for years. To help you out, we’ve gathered information about the effects of caffeine on your heart to ensure your caffeine habit isn’t hindering your health.

How does caffeine affect the heart?

Caffeine affects the heart in a lot of different ways. Some ways aren’t good, but others are. When you drink caffeine, it enters your bloodstream from your stomach and small intestine. It stimulates your central nervous system, which causes your heart to beat faster.

Some people have a higher sensitivity to caffeine than others. And for some of those people, one of the effects of drinking caffeine can be heart palpitations, or an irregular heart rate. Heart palpitation are a common heart-related symptom people report. However, it should concern you if you are experiencing them frequently when consuming caffeine. If this is the case, reach out to your health care provider.

As for caffeine and hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, people who suffer from this condition will want to keep an eye on how much they consume. This is because caffeine can sometimes cause a short, but significant increase in blood pressure. If you have hypertension, talk to your health care provider to learn how much caffeine is safe for you.

Some heart-healthy benefits

However, as long as you aren’t exceeding the suggested daily caffeine intake, researchers have found that caffeine, specifically in coffee, can have some heart-healthy effects. Coffee contains phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation. And because inflammation in the heart can cause heart failure and atherosclerosis, it’s great that drinking coffee might help prevent it. Other research has shown that caffeine can act as an antioxidant, which could reduce your risk for diabetes.

Overall, more research needs to be done to confirm the exact benefits and risks of caffeine on the heart.

What amount of caffeine is safe?

Research shows that a caffeine intake of up to 400 milligrams a day is safe for most average-sized adults. That equals about two cups of coffee per day.

However, having a high caffeine intake can cause harmful side effects. More than four cups of coffee a day can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, increase stress levels and increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. This is especially true for people who are not used to consuming large amounts of caffeine.

However, if you are a moderate caffeine drinker — rest easy in knowing that limited caffeine won’t harm your heart.

How much caffeine is in my favorite drink?

So, 400 milligrams of caffeine equals two cups of coffee. But what about our other favorite caffeine drinks? How does that translate?

Here are a few breakdowns for you:

• Espresso: 240 to720 milligrams
• Energy drinks: 50 to 160 milligrams
• Brewed tea: 40 to 120 milligrams
• Soft drinks: 20 to 40 milligrams

However, drinking more than 500 milligrams of caffeine per day can cause caffeine intoxication. This includes uncomfortable and sometimes serious symptoms, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Increased gastric acid
• Bowel irritability
• Anxiety

Tips on lowering your caffeine intake

Whether you are drinking more caffeine than the recommended daily amount, you’re feeling the side effects of too much caffeine or you simply want to consume less, you can ease up with a few relatively easy changes.

For some, reducing their caffeine intake is as simple as eliminating an extra cup of coffee a day. However, for others, significantly reducing their intake may be necessary. Try swapping a caffeinated drink for a non-caffeinated one, such as:

• Decaf coffee
• Caffeine-free herbal tea
• Sparkling water in place of a soft drink or caffeinated energy drink

If you choose to reduce your caffeine consumption, try to do so over the course of several days. Doing too much too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as brain fog, jitters and brain fog.

When to talk to your doctor

When it comes to caffeine, make sure you are doing your homework and reading nutrition labels. That way, you can make sure you aren’t exceeding your 400 milligram daily limit. If you are experiencing negative reactions to caffeine or you’ve tried reducing your intake and still don’t feel right, reach out to your primary care provider, who may refer you to a cardiologist, to discuss your options.

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Publication date
01/10/2023

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Coffee lovers rejoice! There are several studies that show that the risk of developing coronary heart disease and heart attack in caffeinated coffee drinkers is very small. What’s more, it has been found that the more coffee people drink, the lower their risk of developing heart failure. While these results help dispel the belief that coffee is bad for health, there is still much to be learned about the link between coffee and heart health. If you’ve been wondering, “Can coffee increase your heart rate?” or “Is there a link between coffee and blood pressure?”, PCMC cardiologists are ready to answer these and other questions.

Can coffee increase heart rate?

After the first sip of coffee, caffeine enters the bloodstream from the stomach and small intestine, stimulating the central nervous system. The receptors on your cells in the heart speed up, causing a slight increase in heart rate (about three beats per minute). In different people, the heart rate increases in different ways. The amount of increase depends on several factors, including:

• amount of caffeine consumed
• frequency of use
• person’s height and weight
• physiology

After consuming caffeine, its effects can appear as early as fifteen minutes and last for several hours. If you do not experience symptoms such as dizziness, a temporary increase in heart rate should not have a lasting or noticeable effect on the body.

Coffee and blood pressure

Two other important studies of note are the Framingham Heart Study and a 2014 review in Circulation. The Framingham Heart Study found that adults who drank any amount of caffeinated coffee had a 43% reduction in cardiovascular death compared to those who did not drink coffee. The Circulation study found that adults who drink three to five cups of caffeinated coffee a day have a lower risk of heart disease compared to those who drink none or more than six or more cups a day. While there is growing evidence that coffee is good for you in moderation, there are several variables that need to be taken into account to make a definitive conclusion about the health benefits of coffee. While coffee and caffeine are often considered “bad” for the heart due to associations such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, etc. , the link between increased coffee consumption and reduced heart disease outweighs these negative connotations.

How to keep your heart healthy

There are many other ways to reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, including:

• Moderate daily exercise
• Stress management
• Cholesterol lowering
• Smoking avoidance
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Balanced nutrition
• Restriction of sugary and processed foods

Why choose PCMC for all your heart health needs?

If you’ve been looking for the best cardiologists nearby, stop looking and contact PCMC today! We are the leading cardiology center in the Vladimir region. We deal with the prevention and treatment of all aspects of cardiovascular diseases and offer our patients the most modern methods of cardiovascular disease treatment. Contact us today by phone or leave a request on the site to make an appointment.

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what is important to know about caffeine in order not to harm your health

Coffee is perhaps the most popular drink in the world. And the most controversial: while some studies support its benefits (for the liver, for example), others point to potential harm, primarily for the heart.

Most of the effects of coffee, both positive and negative, are associated with its most studied component – caffeine, which is now increasingly used as an active ingredient in dietary supplements and sports nutrition products.

With seasonal changes, an increasing number of people are turning to dietary supplements and drinks containing caffeine and other compounds designed to increase energy levels.

Although most energy drinkers use these products to reduce fatigue or improve mental capacity, concentration, etc., some people seek to improve athletic performance through the consumption of these products. Unfortunately, they only do this to their own detriment.

See also

Adverse cardiovascular effects of “stimulants”

Medical experts warn that, despite their popularity, caffeine-based products and other types of dietary supplements and OTC “energy-boosting” products can have adverse effects on the human body, especially – on the cardiovascular system.

Given the popularity of caffeine-based products and the risks associated with their use, WHO has characterized the consumption of energy drinks as a major public health problem.

Numerous studies have identified a range of cardiovascular side effects associated with the consumption of energy drinks, including:

The results of several of these RCTs have shown that consumption of energy drinks significantly prolongs the QT interval and provokes an increase in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic). The risks of these adverse side effects of caffeine are dramatically increased among people with underlying heart disease, including drug interactions.

Thus, in people with hereditary long QT syndrome, after drinking two cans of an energy drink, the risk of cardiac arrest increased by 20%.

Therefore, individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease (arrhythmias, hypertension, or cardiomyopathy) should exercise particular caution when using such agents.

See also

In addition to caffeine: a triple hit on the heart

Although most of the cardiovascular risks listed are associated with high caffeine content in energy drinks, other not-so-healthy ingredients are added to these products: taurine, guarana, ginseng extract, glucuronolactone, etc. d. They are also meant to increase energy levels, but, unfortunately, they hit the heart in the same way.

For example, as noted by cardiologists, even in healthy people, the consumption of a drug containing caffeine, taurine and glucuronolactone can increase blood pressure, increase platelet aggregation and disrupt endothelial function.

Caffeine and “company” can be even more harmful if used during physical activity, as evidenced by studies examining the effects of caffeine taken before exercise on the cardiovascular system.

Caffeine, heart and sport: a controversial stimulant

In addition to the general cardiovascular risks associated with energy supplements, their use before exercise can further exacerbate cardiovascular risks, as physical activity puts more stress on the heart and blood vessels. For example, studies show that taking 200–300 mg of caffeine 1 hour before aerobic exercise depresses endothelial cell function in healthy individuals, as evidenced by decreased myocardial blood flow.

At the same time, it has been proven that caffeine itself is a good tool for increasing the endurance and aerobic capacity of athletes, but the problem here is rather with the dosage. The “more is better” philosophy of caffeine use in sports can lead to side effects that outweigh the benefits.

Optimum results are usually achieved at intakes of 3–6 mg/kg (approximately 2–4 cups), and side effects develop at concentrations greater than 9 mg/kg body weight. Overdose can lead to cardiotoxicity with associated side effects such as tachycardia, vasoconstriction and hypertension. Especially often, “side effects” from an overdose of caffeine are found in amateur athletes.

The good news is that adverse events often improve or disappear completely when caffeinated products are discontinued.