How does caffeine affect your cardiovascular system. What are the potential risks of excessive caffeine consumption. Can caffeine cause heart palpitations. Is moderate caffeine intake safe for most people. How much caffeine is too much for your heart health.

The Prevalence and Popularity of Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant, with over 85% of the U.S. population ingesting at least one caffeinated beverage daily. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks account for 96% of caffeine intake. Given its ubiquity, it’s crucial to understand how caffeine interacts with our bodies, particularly our cardiovascular system.

Caffeine’s Effects on Heart Rate and Rhythm

High caffeine intake can stimulate the heart, potentially leading to an increased heart rate. In some cases, it may even cause alterations in heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation – a disorganized heart rhythm occurring in the upper chambers of the heart. This arrhythmia can result in an erratic and accelerated heart rate.

However, caffeine’s impact on heart rhythm isn’t universal. Some studies have shown that even individuals with pre-existing heart conditions can tolerate significant amounts of caffeine without adverse effects. For instance, a controlled study involving 51 heart failure patients found that consuming 100mg of caffeine every hour for five hours did not result in abnormal heart rates or rhythms.

Can caffeine cause heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations – the sensation of your heart beating irregularly, forcefully, or rapidly – can sometimes be attributed to caffeine consumption. However, the link between caffeine and heart palpitations isn’t straightforward. While some studies have reported a connection, others have not found a significant relationship. In healthy individuals, caffeine doesn’t typically cause heart palpitations, but some people may be more sensitive to its effects.

The Health Benefits of Moderate Caffeine Consumption

Despite potential concerns about its cardiovascular effects, caffeine, when consumed in moderation, offers numerous health benefits. It can enhance mood, boost metabolism, and improve mental and physical performance. Many studies indicate that light to moderate caffeine intake is safe for most people and may even provide impressive health advantages.

• Improved cognitive function
• Enhanced physical performance
• Potential protective effects against certain diseases
• Increased alertness and reduced fatigue

The Risks of Excessive Caffeine Intake

While moderate caffeine consumption can be beneficial, excessive intake may lead to various side effects and health issues. Some potential risks of high caffeine consumption include:

1. Anxiety and restlessness
2. Insomnia and sleep disturbances
3. Digestive issues
4. Muscle breakdown
5. Addiction and dependency
6. Elevated blood pressure
7. Rapid heart rate
8. Increased urination and urgency

How much caffeine is considered excessive?

The threshold for excessive caffeine intake varies among individuals due to genetic factors influencing caffeine tolerance. Some people can consume larger amounts of caffeine without experiencing adverse effects, while others may be more sensitive. Generally, consuming more than 400mg of caffeine per day (equivalent to about 4-5 cups of coffee) is considered high intake for most adults.

Individual Variations in Caffeine Sensitivity

Genetic factors play a significant role in determining an individual’s caffeine tolerance. This genetic variability explains why some people can consume large amounts of caffeine without experiencing side effects, while others may be highly sensitive to even small doses.

People who are not accustomed to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is generally considered a moderate dose. This sensitivity underscores the importance of understanding your own body’s response to caffeine and adjusting intake accordingly.

Caffeine and Energy Drinks: A Potentially Dangerous Combination

Energy drinks, which often contain extremely high doses of caffeine, have been associated with cardiovascular issues, particularly in young consumers. These beverages can cause rapid and irregular heartbeats, potentially leading to more serious health problems.

Are energy drinks more dangerous than coffee or tea?

Energy drinks often contain significantly higher caffeine concentrations than traditional caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea. Additionally, they may include other stimulants and additives that can amplify caffeine’s effects. This combination can increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular effects, especially when consumed in large quantities or by individuals sensitive to caffeine.

Monitoring and Adjusting Caffeine Intake for Optimal Health

To enjoy the benefits of caffeine without experiencing unwanted side effects, it’s essential to monitor your intake and be aware of how it affects your body. Pay attention to your sleep patterns, energy levels, and any changes in heart rate or rhythm after consuming caffeinated beverages.

How can you determine your optimal caffeine intake?

To find your ideal caffeine consumption level:

• Start with a low intake and gradually increase if desired
• Monitor your sleep quality and daytime energy levels
• Pay attention to any changes in heart rate or rhythm
• Be aware of any anxiety or jitters
• Consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns

If you notice any negative effects, consider reducing your caffeine intake or spreading it out more evenly throughout the day. Remember that everyone’s optimal caffeine intake is different, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

When to Seek Medical Advice Regarding Caffeine and Heart Health

While moderate caffeine consumption is generally safe for most people, there are instances where medical advice should be sought. If you experience persistent heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or other concerning symptoms after consuming caffeine, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

Should you avoid caffeine if you have a pre-existing heart condition?

If you have a pre-existing heart condition, it’s crucial to discuss caffeine consumption with your doctor. While some studies suggest that individuals with certain heart conditions can tolerate caffeine, your healthcare provider can offer personalized advice based on your specific health status and medical history.

A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional can help determine whether your caffeine intake is affecting your heart health and if any adjustments to your consumption are necessary.

The Future of Caffeine Research and Heart Health

As caffeine remains a popular and widely consumed stimulant, ongoing research continues to explore its effects on cardiovascular health. Future studies may provide more definitive answers about the relationship between caffeine and heart palpitations, as well as its long-term impacts on heart health.

What are the current trends in caffeine and heart health research?

Current research trends in caffeine and heart health include:

• Investigating the genetic factors influencing caffeine sensitivity
• Exploring the potential protective effects of caffeine against certain cardiovascular diseases
• Examining the long-term cardiovascular impacts of different caffeine sources (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
• Studying the interactions between caffeine and other dietary components or medications

As our understanding of caffeine’s effects on the cardiovascular system continues to evolve, it’s important to stay informed about the latest research findings and recommendations from health professionals.

Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Caffeine Consumption

When it comes to caffeine consumption, the key is finding a balance that allows you to enjoy its benefits without experiencing negative side effects. For most people, moderate caffeine intake can be part of a healthy lifestyle, potentially offering various health advantages.

How can you maximize the benefits of caffeine while minimizing risks?

To optimize your caffeine consumption:

• Be aware of your total daily intake from all sources
• Time your consumption to avoid interfering with sleep
• Choose natural sources of caffeine when possible (e.g., coffee or tea)
• Stay hydrated, as caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect
• Be mindful of added sugars or calories in caffeinated beverages
• Consider your individual tolerance and adjust accordingly

By being mindful of your caffeine consumption and listening to your body’s responses, you can enjoy the potential benefits of this popular stimulant while minimizing any risks to your heart health and overall well-being.

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.

Learn about the heart and vascular services we offer at Mercy Health.

How coffee affects the heart: the benefits and harms of caffeine – April 8, 2022

If you drink coffee, there is no reason to refuse it all mortal sins. Once thought to increase the risk of premature death and obesity, there has long been a legend that coffee causes infertility. And the main horror story was, of course, caffeine – drink, and the devil will bring you to the end. But, as it turned out, in addition to caffeine, coffee contains about two thousand more substances. Here you have antioxidants with polyphenols, and vitamins with natural oils. All this allows us to consider coffee not so harmful. Moreover, it can even prevent some diseases. Cardiologist Elena Grichuk told us about this and many other things in the “Interesting about food” section.

— According to studies, there is no link between coffee consumption and the long-term risk of developing heart disease, says Elena Grichuk. – In fact, moderate consumption (3-5 cups of coffee per day) reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Coffee protects against the development of cardiovascular disease, as long as consumption is not excessive.

Elena Grichuk — cardiologist, head of the cardiology department of the New Hospital, doctor of the highest qualification category, candidate of medical sciences. Professional competencies and specializations: ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic heart failure.

“Coffee consumers are less likely to die from heart attacks, strokes and heart failure,” says Elena Grichuk. The study found that women who drank 2-3 cups of coffee per week had a 19% lower risk, and those who drank 4 cups or more per week had a 20% lower risk. Subsequently, similar data were obtained for the entire population as a whole, regardless of gender. The reduced risk can be explained by the fact that coffee improves endothelial function. When the endothelial cells lining the arteries are healthy, blood does not form blood clots, cholesterol plaques do not form, thereby reducing the progression of atherosclerosis and the risk of premature death from heart disease.

In addition, according to the cardiologist, coffee contains a unique component – chlorogenic acid. It is an antioxidant that helps keep heart muscle cells young and healthy.

Three cups of coffee a day will not lead to coronary catastrophes, but if you go too far with coffee and drink nine cups or more in a day, anything can happen, even sudden death from cardiac arrest.

— One or two cups of coffee a day do not provoke ventricular arrhythmia in heart patients or in patients with any type of arrhythmia, if these people are under the supervision of a doctor and take prescribed medications, Elena Grichuk sums up.

According to studies, caffeine does not cause arrhythmia. But at the same time, it can sometimes serve as a catalyst for the development of the disease, especially if there have already been heart attacks or diseases in the anamnesis. Two to three cups of coffee a day reduce the risk of hospitalization for arrhythmias by 7 to 10% compared to people who do not drink coffee at all. Recent studies have shown that caffeine inhibits the development of connective tissue in various organs, including the heart, which indirectly prevents arrhythmia.

“Coffee raises blood pressure, and that’s a fact,” says Elena Grichuk. – American scientists conducted an experiment and found that blood pressure was higher on the days when people drank coffee, by an average of 4 mm, and the level of stress hormone also increased by an average of 32%. But this did not affect the general well-being of healthy people.

Italian scientists have found that drinking 4 or more cups a day of hypertensive patients four times the risk of a heart event, and moderate coffee consumption (1-3 cups) three times the risk of a cardiovascular event. Thus, coffee can be harmful if you already have high blood pressure.

— Yes, coffee contains cafestol, which stimulates the production of cholesterol and in large quantities can cause its deposition on the walls of blood vessels. But the problem is easily solved if you drink filtered coffee. A simple paper filter retains cafestol in a quality manner, so that it does not harm your heart and blood vessels, says the cardiologist.

– It directly depends on how much coffee you drink per day, whether you have diseases of the cardiovascular system, how caffeine is metabolized in the body (this is determined by genes), – says Elena Grichuk. – Moderate consumption of a fragrant drink does not pose a threat to humans. However, if a person has already encountered heart problems, then they can become more active with renewed vigor. This happens due to the special effect of caffeine on the human body. Vessels located in the brain area begin to narrow. The blood supplying oxygen to the cells is supplied in a smaller volume. As a result, the brain senses this lack of oxygen, which causes the heart to beat at an accelerated pace. It works harder and with more pressure.

Caffeine also affects the work of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of such a hormone as adrenaline. It begins to be produced in large quantities, and this leads to a rapid heartbeat, a person feels tingling in the region of the heart. In this case, it can be argued that coffee has a bad effect on the heart.

“In essence, the question of coffee’s effect on the heart comes down to weighing the negative effects of caffeine against the protective antioxidant benefits of polyphenols,” says the cardiologist. There’s nothing wrong with one or two cups of coffee a day, just don’t go overboard with sugar or sweeteners that can offset the coffee’s benefits.

If you drink coffee, there is no reason to give it up completely because of the effects of caffeine on the heart.

But if you have already experienced heart problems with caffeinated drinks, you should be more careful. The cardiologist also recommends giving up coffee in the following situations:

• if you are under severe stress;
• severe nervous tension;
• after a sleepless night;
• after and before exercise.

And don’t drink coffee mug after mug. Not even strong. Better read how doctors debunked popular myths about coffee, and see if coffee helps to cheer up and whether it can be drunk to insomnia.

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, more and more people are turning to dietary supplements and drinks containing caffeine and other compounds designed to boost 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.

Caffeine and the heart: what’s natural is good

It is important to emphasize that the potential “health” effects of caffeine, which are regularly mentioned in the medical literature and the lay press, have been demonstrated in observational studies, which mainly processed data from people who regularly drink coffee, but not taking high doses of caffeine in supplements or drinks.

While caffeine in moderation (the equivalent of 2-4 cups of coffee) may indeed improve endurance, higher doses of this substance may increase the risk of heart problems, including arrhythmias and severe hypertension.