What is the effect of caffeine on the heart. Does caffeine increase heart rate or cause abnormal heart rhythms? How does caffeine impact exercise performance?

Caffeine and Its Impact on the Heart

Caffeine is a widely consumed stimulant found in various beverages, energy supplements, and foods. Many people believe that caffeine can irritate the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms. The simple answer is that caffeine does affect the heart, particularly in high doses.

Caffeine is rapidly absorbed in the body, typically within 30-60 minutes of ingestion. When consumed in high doses, it can raise the blood levels of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Epinephrine can increase blood pressure, the contractility or force of the heart, and mildly increase the heart rate.

For patients susceptible to abnormal heart rhythms, high doses of caffeine can cause the heart to develop skipped beats from the upper or lower heart chambers or palpitations from a rapid heart rhythm. This can lead to an uncomfortable feeling of the heart beating, which is usually due to a mildly elevated heart rate and increased force of each heartbeat.

However, for most people who enjoy caffeinated products, the body develops a tolerance to caffeine over time, and the effects on the heart are lessened. Unfortunately, for some patients who have consumed caffeine for many years, the development of new abnormal heart rhythms may be independent of the caffeine.

Caffeine and Exercise Performance

Numerous studies have examined the impact of caffeine during exercise. When interpreting these studies, it’s important to note that they were often performed on athletes with healthy hearts, and the results may not apply to people with heart disease.

According to a summary from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, caffeine is effective for enhancing sports performance in trained athletes when consumed in low-to-moderate dosages (around 3-6 mg per kilogram of body weight). However, higher dosages (9 mg per kilogram or more) do not result in further performance enhancement.

Caffeine has been shown to be more effective for exercise performance when consumed in an anhydrous state (without water, such as in pill form) compared to coffee. Caffeine can also enhance alertness during extended exhaustive exercise and periods of sustained sleep deprivation.

Caffeine has been found to be beneficial for sustained maximal endurance exercise, time-trial performance, and high-intensity exercise, including team sports like soccer and rugby. However, the effects of caffeine on strength and power performance are less clear, and more research is needed in this area.

Considerations for Caffeine Consumption

It’s important to note that the effects of caffeine can vary from person to person, and some individuals may be more sensitive to its impact on the heart. If you experience abnormal heart beats or rhythms when using caffeine or starting high doses, it’s recommended to stop using it.

Additionally, caffeine that has been extracted or developed as a chemical, dry product, or pill appears to be more potent in the body compared to natural sources of caffeine, such as coffee.

Balancing Caffeine Consumption

For most people, moderate caffeine consumption is generally safe and can even provide some benefits for exercise performance. However, it’s important to be aware of your individual response to caffeine and to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning heart-related symptoms.

Caffeine and Hydration

Contrary to popular belief, the scientific literature does not support the idea that caffeine-induced diuresis (increased urination) during exercise negatively affects fluid balance or performance.

Caffeine and Heart Disease

While the effects of caffeine on exercise performance have been well-studied, the impact on people with heart disease is less clear. It’s important for individuals with heart conditions to consult with their healthcare provider before consuming high levels of caffeine.

Conclusion

In summary, caffeine can have various effects on the heart, particularly in high doses. While it can enhance exercise performance in trained athletes, it’s crucial for individuals to be aware of their personal response to caffeine and to seek medical advice if they experience any concerning heart-related symptoms.

Caffeine, Your Heart and Exercise

One of the most common comments that I receive in seeing a new patient with a heart rhythm disorder is “when my heart started racing (or skipping beats) I stopped drinking anything with caffeine.” There seems to be a general perception that caffeine can irritate the heart. The use of caffeine may be at an all-time high in today’s society as it is in many drinks, energy supplements, exercise regiments, coffee, and some teas.

Caffeine is a natural product that is extracted from the raw fruit of coffee plants (over sixty species), kola nuts, cocoa, yerba maté, guarana berries, coffee beans and teas. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed in about 30-60 minutes in our bodies after ingestion.

Caffeine and Your Heart

The question behind the comment I often encounter in clinic is “does caffeine effect my heart?” The simple answer is that it does. Caffeine in high doses raises your blood level of epinephrine. Epinephrine is also known as adrenalin. In pure forms, epinephrine can increase blood pressure, increase the contractility or force of the heart, and mildly increase the heart rate. In patients that are susceptable to abnormal heart rhythms, high doses can cause the heart to develop skipped beats from the upper or lower heart chambers or palpitations from a rapid heart rhythm (1).

In most patients that I meet, when high doses of caffeine are consumed, there can be an uncomfortable feeling of the heart beating. This is usually due to a mildly elevated heart rate and increased force of each heartbeat. These are normal responses of the heart when exposed to epinephrine, but they can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. With normal heart responses the symptoms typically improve when the body levels of caffeine diminish. Unfortunately, if the caffeine causes the heart to beat abnormally, the abnormal heart rhythm can persist even after the body levels of caffeine are very low or even absent.

For most people that enjoy caffeinated products our bodies develop tolerance to caffeine over time and the effects on the heart are lessened. Unfortunately for most patients that have consumed caffeine for many years without significant changes, the development of new abnormal heart rhythms is usually independent of the caffeine. However, it is always a good idea to consider a trial of stopping caffeinated products if you experience an abnormal heart rhythm or any new heart symptoms.

When considering your caffeine courses, caffeine that has been extracted or developed as a chemical, dry product, or pill appears to be more potent in our bodies compared to natural sources of caffeine. For example, the metabolism and exercise performance effects with caffeine are greater with caffeine pills compared to coffee that has a similar level of caffeine (2).

Caffeine and Exercise

There are many studies that have examined the impact of caffeine during exercise. When interpreting these studies you must take into account that they were performed in people that were often athletes with healthy hearts and may not apply to people with heart disease. Recently, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition summarized the effects of caffeine on exercise:

“1. Caffeine is effective for enhancing sport performance in trained athletes when consumed in low-to-moderate dosages (~3-6 mg·kgBM^-1) and overall does not result in further enhancement in performance when consumed in higher dosages (= 9 mg·kgBM^-1).

2. Caffeine exerts a greater ergogenic effect [enhancing exercise performance] when consumed in an anhydrous state [contains no water or pill form] as compared to coffee.

3. Caffeine enhances alertness during periods of extended exhaustive exercise, as well as periods of sustained sleep deprivation.

4. Caffeine is ergogenic for sustained maximal endurance exercise, and has been shown to be highly effective for time-trial performance.

5. Caffeine supplementation is beneficial for high-intensity exercise, including team sports such as soccer and rugby, both of which are categorized by intermittent activity within a period of prolonged duration.

6. The literature is equivocal [unclear or ambiguous] when considering the effects of caffeine supplementation on strength-power performance, and additional research in this area is warranted.

7. The scientific literature does not support caffeine-induced diuresis [increased urination] during exercise, or any harmful change in fluid balance that would negatively affect performance” (3,4).

When you look at the total evidence available, in low to moderate levels, caffeine will likely result in an improvement in both your aerobic exercise ability and tolerance and may also provide benefit in resistance exercise (4).

In conclusion, if you feel abnormal heart beats or rhythms if you start using caffeine or start using high doses then stop using it. You may have to wait days after the caffeine exposure for your heart to go back to normal. If it doesn’t or the symptoms are severe, you should contact your doctor. If you develop these symptoms after years of using similar levels of caffeine, then your heart symptoms are likely caused from other sources. If you use caffeine to improve your exercise ability, use relatively low doses. The accumulative evidence with low to moderate amounts of caffeine and exercise suggests it is beneficial and relatively safe. If you have prior heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms, talk to your physician before starting an endurance exercise program in which you want to also use caffeine to enhance your performance.

How does caffeine affect your heart?

Published: 12 March 2020

Coffee is the biggest source of caffeine worldwide and Kiwis love their coffee. This week we’re looking at how much caffeine we should have and how it affects our heart health.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that belongs to a group of compounds called methylxanthines.

It is found in over 60 plants worldwide, including the humble coffee bean and the berries of the guarana plant. It’s believed that the caffeine in these plants helps to protect them from insect damage. For us humans, it acts as a stimulant and is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world.

Where is caffeine commonly found?

There are several common food and drinks that naturally contain caffeine such as: coffee, tea (both black and green tea) and chocolate. Caffeine can also be added to drinks, such as energy drinks and soft drinks. Both tea and coffee are the most popular beverages worldwide, with coffee being by far the biggest source of caffeine consumption.

How does caffeine affect your body and especially your heart?

The first benefit that comes to mind when thinking about coffee is that it helps when we’re tired. Coffee and other drinks containing caffeine increase the activity in our brain which helps to increase alertness, reduce tiredness and increase concentration.

This can be a driver for many getting their morning coffee fix. However, there can be potentially negative side-effects for some as caffeine affects everyone in different ways and some people can be more sensitive to caffeine than others.  

Some downsides can include feeling jittery, irritable or anxious, an increased heart rate and/or heart palpitations and sleep problems. 

Research over the years has resulted in inconsistent messaging about whether we can continue our daily coffee fix. Most studies find no association between heart disease and coffee intake. Some also see a small benefit when looking at moderate coffee consumption. 

It’s important to remember that in plant sources of caffeine, and especially in coffee, there are a vast range of other compounds and nutrients, such as antioxidants, that can also have a positive influence on our heart health. Therefore, it is difficult for researchers to single out one component of the coffee bean, the caffeine, to look at the effect it has on humans.

Does caffeine affect your blood pressure?

Many effects of caffeine, both positive and negative, can be temporary and reversible. For example, some people experience an increase in blood pressure, but this may only last for around four hours. This is therefore reversible, however the long-term impact on overall blood pressure from this temporary effect has not been well researched and remains uncertain.

How much caffeine is too much?

In New Zealand, there are no firm guidelines on how much caffeine is too much for the general population. For children and pregnant or breastfeeding women there are strict caffeine guidelines. For children it’s recommended to have no more than 3mg of caffeine per kg of bodyweight. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, it’s recommended they limit caffeine to 200mg or less a day from all sources.

Although there is a lack of guidelines, there is a recommended maximum daily caffeine intake.

For adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding this equates to a maximum of 400mg of caffeine per day and no more than 200mg in one sitting. As food and drink sources of caffeine can vary, so does the caffeine content. Depending on the product and size, 400mg can add up quickly.
For example, a cup of coffee tends to have more caffeine than a cup of tea, but this also varies between the type of beans and how they are prepared.

• Caffeine in brewed coffee can range between 95–200mg per cup.
• Instant coffee can range from 27–173mg per cup.
• Black tea contains between 40–120mg per cup.
• Green tea between 25-29mg per cup.

For tea, the amount of caffeine depends on how much water it is brewed in, how long it’s brewed for and the quality of the tea.

What about pure and highly concentrated caffeine products?

Caffeine powder is referred to as ‘pure caffeine’ and is sometimes found in products sold online or in health food stores.

These products can contain thousands of serves of caffeine in a packet. This makes it very difficult for the consumer to measure out what would be a maximum dose (around 1/16th of a teaspoon). One small teaspoon can be equivalent to 25–50 cups of coffee which can be lethal.

Another example of this is green tea extract (GTE) which can be found in supplements or other health food products claiming to be good for your health. GTE has resulted in liver damage and can also be lethal.

In December 2019 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) updated their regulations which prohibit the retail sale of pure caffeine and highly concentrated caffeine products of certain levels (caffeine concentration of 5% or more if the food is a solid or semi-solid food or 1% or more if the food is a liquid food). 

Moderating caffeine intake

Sometimes our caffeine consumption from food and drinks can creep up over time. Moderating the amount of caffeine, you have a day can help keep you feeling at your best and prevent any unwanted side-effects.

Here are some simple swaps to your hot and/or cold drinks to reduce the amount of caffeine you have each day.

• Swap to decaf coffee and decaf black tea.
• Swap to naturally caffeine-free herbal tea such as peppermint, camomile, berry or lemon & ginger.
• Swap soft drink/energy drink for plain or sparkling water with cucumber and mint for flavouring.

What does the Heart Foundation recommend?

When it comes to our energy levels and overall health, caffeine cannot replace the combination of a well-balanced heart-healthy diet, exercise and sleep.

A moderate amount of caffeine should be fine for most healthy people to consume. Keep in mind the recommended limit of 400mg per day to avoid any negative side-effects. It is important to remember we are all different and some of us are more sensitive to caffeine than others. These sensitivities can result in several negative symptoms mentioned above which can be unpleasant or unsettling. 

If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, take a note of how much caffeine you have consumed and aim to reduce this gradually until you reach a point where you are no longer experiencing these adverse effects. Some people prefer to remove caffeine entirely and that is completely OK as well. 

Do keep in mind the timing of your last caffeine intake. Caffeine can still be in our system around six hours after our last cup. Good quality sleep is important for maintaining health and preventing disease. Be mindful of whether a late afternoon or evening coffee is keeping you up later than planned or preventing a restorative sleep that the body needs every night.  

The risk from pure and highly concentrated caffeine products is clear, and the Heart Foundation recommends avoiding all types of products that contain this type of caffeine.

Read more nutrition facts

Nickie Hursthouse, NZRD

National Nutrition Advisor

As a Registered Dietitian, I know that food gives us so much more than just nutrients. I am driven to simplify nutrition messages, educate on all aspects of food and support Kiwis to develop a love of food that helps them stay healthy throughout their life.

References:

The Effect of Caffeine on Heart Rate

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, which increases heart rate.

Image Credit: Jorn Georg Tomter/The Image Bank/GettyImages

Do you love to wake up to the smell of your morning coffee brewing in the kitchen? The majority of people drink some form of a caffeinated beverage throughout the day, but you should be aware of the negative effects of caffeine. These include physiological effects, such as an elevated heart rate.

Read more: Your Brain on Coffee: A Conversation with Bulletproof Founder Dave Asprey

Caffeine Heart Rate

Caffeine is ever-present. According to a January 2014 report from Food and Chemical Toxicology, caffeine intakes have risen from more than a decade ago. Around 85 percent of people consume at least one caffeinated beverage per day, and 96 percent of beverage caffeine comes from coffee, soft drinks and cups of tea. But everyone who gives in to their caffeine addiction should stay familiar with the negative effects of caffeine to keep themselves healthy.

Once consumed, caffeine enters your blood from the stomach and small intestine and begins to stimulate your central nervous system. Caffeine stimulates receptors located in cells within your heart to increase your heart rate. Effects of this stimulation speed up your blood flow because of an increase in heart rate, which can accelerate by approximately three beats per minute (as well as cause an increase in blood sugar, urine production and body temperature).

The increase in your heart rate from caffeine consumption can take effect in as soon as 15 minutes and take approximately six hours to wear off, according to the University of Michigan Health Service. (You will eventually urinate out the caffeine. )

In an April 2019 review from Harvard Health Publishing, caffeine can pose a danger to those with heart disease because the drug can cause a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure. However, regularly consuming caffeinated beverages won’t disrupt your heart’s rhythm enough to create irregular heartbeat patterns.

Caffeine can also affect heart rate after you exercise. In a 2017 study from Scientific Reports, researchers studied the effects of heart rate and blood pressure recovery after aerobic exercise. They found that caffeine can delay the parasympathetic heart rate control, which allows the body to slow down the heart rate after exercise.

Read more: 6 Teas to Stock Up On and Their Health Benefits

Other Negative Effects of Caffeine

Not only does caffeine affect heart rate, you can experience other negative effects, such as the following:

• The University Michigan Health Service says that large amounts
  of caffeine, about 1,000 milligrams per day, can lead to conception problems,
  heartburn and irregular bowel movements. Even smaller amounts can lead to sleep
  issues and a disregard of signals that your body desires sleep. This can cause
  a disturbance in energy levels, emotional fatigue and depression.
• According to Scientific Reports, too much caffeine can cause anxiety, headaches and restlessness.
• You can also have a caffeine overdose when ingesting high levels. An April 2018 warning
  from U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) cautions consumers that consuming pure
  or highly concentrated caffeine can cause serious adverse events, including seizure and
  even death. In fact, the FDA is aware of at least two deaths related to
  caffeine overdoses in healthy individuals.

But overall, the way that you react to caffeine depends on your sensitivity, the source and how much you consume, according to Harvard Health Publishing. You should stay within the FDA’s recommended limits of 400 milligrams per day for healthy adults. This amounts to 4 to 5 cups of coffee, which hasn’t been found to cause any major health impairments to your heart rate.

Read more: Is Drinking Diet Soda Bad for You? Here’s What You Need to Know

How does your caffeine intake influence exercise?

Surveys show that approximately 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine daily. In fact, more than half of American adults ingest over 300 milligrams of caffeine every day (i.e., approximately two and a half cups of regular coffee).

Most people consume caffeine to give them a daytime boost or keep them awake longer at night. What is caffeine’s influence on exercise? This column will try to shed some light on that question.

More about caffeine

Caffeine is not synonymous with coffee. It comes in various forms, including coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, medications, etc. According to the National Soft Drink Association, most 12-ounce cans of soda contain approximately 45 milligrams of caffeine. By comparison, a seven-ounce cup of coffee has approximately 100 milligrams of caffeine.

A cardiovascular stimulant, caffeine affects the heart directly by causing andrenergic nerve terminals in the heart and adrenal medulla to release more catecholamines. It has both positive inotropic (i.e., strength of contraction) and chronotropic (i.e., increased heart rate) effects.

Caffeine is also a powerful central nervous system stimulant, acting particularly on the brain and skeletal muscles. It also delays fatigue and acts as a smooth muscle relaxant and vasodilator. Blood concentrations of caffeine peak within 15 to 45 minutes of ingestion. However, its metabolic effects may last over an hour. The liver metabolizes almost 100 percent of caffeine, but some residual may appear in the urine.

No solid evidence indicates moderate caffeine consumption is a risk factor for any type of cancer, cardiovascular disease or decreased fertility in women. In 1987, the FDA affirmed that moderate quantities of caffeine have no adverse effects.

However, studies have shown caffeine can cause high blood pressure and increase heart rate. At least one study concluded that long-term coffee consumption decreased bone mineral density in women.

Probably the most important long-term health side-effect is caffeine’s effect on sleep. Studies have shown that as little as one strong cup of coffee (150 to 200 milligrams of caffeine), consumed 30 to 60 minutes before sleeping, can cause restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, increased body movements, decreased quality of sleep and a tendency to be awakened by sudden noises.

Ceasing caffeine consumption five to six hours prior to sleeping, thus allowing more time for the body to metabolize the caffeine, will lessen these side-effects.

Caffeine’s effect on exercise

Numerous studies have researched the effect of caffeine ingestion on exercise performance. Most of them generally conclude that caffeine consumption prior to working out seems to extend endurance performance during moderately strenuous aerobic exercise.

The main proposed mechanism for this improvement is the increased use of fat as fuel. However, there seems to be benefit discrepancies between habitual caffeine users and nonhabitual users. Once a certain level of tolerance is reached, the ergogenic effect of caffeine may be reduced.

Another commonly reported benefit of caffeine ingestion prior to exercise is a decreased sense of overall exertion (i.e., reduced RPE), which may lead to improved enjoyment of exercise. However, since caffeine is often used as an appetite suppressant, some individuals may not consume the calories needed to sustain exercise.

Keep in mind, caffeine’s effects vary from person to person. Following caffeine ingestion, some might notice tremendous benefits during exercise, while others may not.

Conclusion

Caffeine ingestion prior to exercise seems to have metabolic, musculoskeletal and central nervous system stimulant effects. However, there is no consistent evidence on its ability to delay fatigue.

Caffeine appears to offer ergogenic benefits during prolonged exercise, but not during short-burst, high-intensity activities.

However, caffeine ingestion in the range of 400 to 500 milligrams may cause nausea, abdominal discomfort and irritability. It elevates heart rate and blood pressure, which may affect the ability to accurately monitor training intensity.

Withdrawal from regular caffeine ingestion also produces an array of negative side effects, including headaches, irritability and drowsiness.

Many people do not realize how much caffeine they ingest daily. Some people drink coffee in the morning, sodas throughout the day and a piece of chocolate here and there. It could take all day and part of the night for the body to rid its systems of caffeine. It is important to assess your current caffeine habits to get an idea of your daily caffeine intake.

You may need to modify your exercise sessions if you discover youre consuming too much caffeine prior to exercise or are withdrawing from caffeine. For example, you may want to decrease the intensity or duration of exercise after you decide to make changes in your caffeine consumption patterns.

If youve consumed too much caffeine, the intensity and duration may need to be lowered for that day. If youre withdrawing from caffeine use, your training heart rate should be re-evaluated and exercise duration modified, since you may not have the same level of energy or motivation as before.

In addition, it is important to reevaluate resting heart rates prior to exercise to see if they have changed due to any changes in caffeine consumption.

As always, its important to consult a fitness professional doctor, personal trainer, sports nutritionist if you plan to try to modify your caffeine intake for health or exercise reasons.

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How much caffeine is too much?

Is drinking tea and coffee bad for my heart? And how much caffeine is too much?

BHF dietitian Victoria Taylor says:

While there is often concern about the links between caffeine and heart health, a moderate amount of tea or coffee (four or five cups a day) should be fine for most people. Research shows that this level of caffeine intake shouldn’t be detrimental to your heart health, affect your cholesterol levels or heart rhythm.

Although drinking coffee has been shown to increase blood pressure, this effect is usually temporary and is minimised over time if you drink caffeinated drinks regularly. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine and can experience palpitations. If this is you, then it’s sensible to avoid caffeine. Remember that caffeine is found in quite a few sources including: tea, green tea, coffee, energy drinks, cola and chocolate.

Remember that caffeine is found in quite a few sources including: tea, green tea, coffee, energy drinks, cola and chocolate

Should I avoid energy drinks because of their caffeine content?

Energy drinks have a bad reputation for their caffeine content, but in reality they contain 80mg of caffeine per 250ml – that’s less than a mug of instant coffee, which has 100mg, and only slightly more than a mug of tea, which has 75mg.

However, there are other reasons why you might want to avoid energy drinks. They can contain nearly seven teaspoons of sugar in one 250ml can – that’s the maximum amount we should be consuming in a whole day. So if you enjoy energy drinks, choose sugar-free versions where possible.

Can I have coffee as part of a heart-healthy diet?

Sugar, syrups, whole milk and cream add calories and saturated fat that could cause weight gain and increase cholesterol levels

Two recent studies suggested that drinking coffee was linked to longer life expectancy, but we need more research to understand what is behind this link. We know that moderate amounts don’t seem to have a negative impact on your heart.

It’s probably more important to think about how you take your coffee. Sugar, syrups, whole milk and cream add calories and saturated fat that could cause weight gain and increase cholesterol levels.

Drinking coffee unsweetened, and swapping whole milk for skimmed, one per cent or semi-skimmed, could help your heart health more than focusing on caffeine.

Meet the expert

Victoria Taylor is a registered dietitian with 20 years’ experience. Her work for the NHS focused on weight management and community programmes for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. She leads the BHF’s work on nutrition.

How Much Does Caffeine Really Affect Your Heart Rate?

Miller tested the effects of caffeine on heart rate on four different individuals. Each subject was given one 200mg caffeine pill and the subject’s heart rates were tested six times in 15 minute increments. The results were mostly inconclusive but inferences can be made.

Caffeine is a plant product found in food, drinks, and some medication. It’s a stimulant and is normally used to keep people more awake. It mostly has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. It can also make an antidote to respiratory depression induced by drugs. It also acts as a mild diuretic (The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, 2016).
It can start effecting the body about 15 minutes after ingestion and can last for around six hours (University Health Service). It’s rapidly absorbed about 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion (Bunch, 2016), so it’s safe to say that when it starts to effect a person depends on them. It does have side effects when in large quantities (1000 mg or more) on the regular such as conception problems, increased episodes of heartburn, changes in bowel habits (University Health Service), and raises blood level of epinephrine (adrenaline) (Bunch, 2016). Epinephrine, in pure forms, can increase blood pressure, the force of the heart, and mildly increase heart rate (Bunch, 2016) – which, on average, for adults, is 60 – 100 BPM (American Heart Association, 2016).
The box of caffeine pills claim that 200mg of caffeine is the same as in a cup of coffee. However, this varies. Eight ounces of brewed coffee can be anywhere from 95-200mg. Decaffeinated coffee still has about 2-12mg per eight ounces. One ounce of espresso can have 45-75mg of caffeine. It can even vary in the same coffee shop (Mayo Clinic Staff). 200mg might be kind of on the high end as far as regular coffee goes, but it is the best way to make caffeine content accurate.

The purpose of this experiment is to test the effect of caffeine on human heart rate. Miller failed to find any actual studies on the exact results of caffeine on heart rate as far as BPM goes. She did, however, find that it can increase blood pressure and force of the heart. From this research, she expects that it will increase heart rate some, however the exact numbers will likely depend on the person and she is interested to see what these will be. Of course, many factor can influence heart rate, so the ideal setting for this experiment is alone, away from people. Whether a person is standing up or lying down can change heart rate, as well as activity level, emotions, and medications (Laskowski). If Miller measures the heart rate of 4 adults after they take one 200mg caffeine pill, then their heart rate will increase slightly. Miller will check it in six 15 minute increments.

The materials needed for this experiment were:
Water
4 200mg Caffeine Pills (Kroger rand, one per person)
Heart rate watch (optional)

Each subject abstained from caffeine for 12 hours prior to the experiment. This meant no coffee, soda, tea, etc. A questionnaire was provided as it was needed during the experiment. This questionnaire also asked about daily caffeine consumption and any problems that might affect their heart rates.

Subjects were to take their resting heart rate preceding taking the caffeine pill. Some measured via the neck with first and middle finger. Some measured at the wrist, either with a watch or with their first and middle finger.

Subjects then took one 200mg caffeine pill with water.

Fifteen minutes after taking the pill, they measured their heart rates again. They measured, in total, seven times. Six were after consumption of the caffeine in 15 minute increments (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90).

In total, the experiment took about 95 minutes.

The experiment was only conducted one time due to the restricted time frame of the experiment.

Results/Data:

The results from this experiment are rather inconclusive. Subject 3’s heartrate increased by 48 BPM from the beginning to end of the experiment. Due do the lack of time, it’s hard to tell if this was because of the disclosed heart problems and the slower heart rate. Subject 1’s heartrate, however, rose and fell. The changes in BPM never exceeded 6. Subjects 2 and 4, on the other hand, were much more sporadic. Subject 2’s heart rate actually went down to 65 at the 75 minute mark of the experiment – three points lower than Subject 2’s resting heart rate. There was an overall change of 45 BPM. Subject 4 had little variation with a change of only 19 BPM. There is little to be assumed from this experiment. The results are random at best and a clear answer is not present with how much caffeine actually affects heart rate. To make this better, subjects should all be in the same environment without outside influence. There should also be many more diverse subjects. Overall, Miller’s hypothesis was mostly correct – heart rate did increase, but it wasn’t only “slightly” increased for some subjects. From the results, it is safe to say that caffeine affects people differently.

Works Cited:

American Heart Association. “Target Heart Rates.” Target Heart Rates. N.p., 12 Oct. 2016. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.

Bunch, T. Jared, MD. “Caffeine, Your Heart and Exercise – Rhythm of Life.” Rhythm of Life. Everyday Health, 19 Sept. 2013. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.

“Caffeine.” University Health Services (n.d.): n. pag. University of Michigan. University Health Service. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.

Laskowski, Edward R., M.D. “Heart Rate: What’s Normal?” Fitness. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More.” MayoClinic.Org. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Caffeine.” Encyclopædia Britannica. N.d. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 29 Mar. 2016. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.

Caffeine Isn’t Bad for Your Heart, in Moderate Doses

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Caffeine is one of the most commonly consumed substances in the United States. In fact, a 2018 study published in the Journal of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 90% of the American adult population regularly consumes caffeine, and about 64% was from coffee. 

While drinking coffee can spike heart rate and blood pressure, research has found that moderate caffeine consumption can be heart-healthy. Here’s what you need to know about caffeine and your heart. 

Moderate caffeine intake isn’t bad for your heart 

Yes, caffeine is a stimulant, and it can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, but only temporarily. 

In general, researchers have not found a long-term association between moderate caffeine consumption and

high blood pressure
or elevated heart rate. Nor have they found that it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including a heart attack, stroke, or

heart failure
.   

For reference, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day is generally a safe amount to consume. One 8-ounce cup of coffee usually contains between 80 to 100 mg of caffeine, so that’s around four or five cups each day. 

Moderate caffeine intake, especially from coffee, may even have positive health effects. For example, a 2014 systematic review published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation examined 36 studies with about 1.3 million participants and found that moderate coffee consumption — measured at three to five cups per day — was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. 

“I think moderate coffee intake is more likely to help patients with

heart disease
than harm,” says Ejaz M. Khan, MD, FACC, FHRS, Medical Director of the Electrophysiology Lab at AtlantiCare Physician Group.

In fact, a 2017 umbrella review of meta-analyses in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) also found that coffee consumption of three cups per day was associated with a lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. The study authors suggest that coffee’s benefits come from its antioxidant properties, which are known to contribute to heart health, and are also rich in fruits, teas, and dark chocolate. 

If you are sensitive to caffeine, you may want to be more cautious 

According to the FDA, a fast heart rate, jitters, insomnia, anxiousness, nausea, and headache are common indicators that you are sensitive to caffeine or may have consumed too much. 

Those with an arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm, may be more sensitive to caffeine’s effects on heart rate, and can be more likely to feel heart palpitations or fluttering from drinking coffee, says Khan. 

A 2018 review published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology concluded that avoiding caffeine is only necessary when there’s a clear association between caffeine intake and arrhythmia. However, everyone processes caffeine differently, and even though moderate consumption is deemed safe, the amount you should drink is highly dependent on how your body responds.  

“I usually advise patients to listen to their body, and if they feel fluttering and jitters after caffeine intake, I tell them to avoid it,” says Khan, adding that he’s had patients report fewer symptoms after decreasing caffeine consumption. 

In addition, pregnant women should be more cautious with caffeine intake, as some studies have found that even moderate consumption can be associated with harmful birth outcomes. The American Pregnancy Association recommends consuming no more than 200 mg per day. 

It’s also wise to be more careful with highly caffeinated products. For example, if you start your day with an energy drink, you could be consuming as much as 250 mg in a single 8-ounce serving. Certain highly concentrated caffeine supplements are very dangerous — for example, one teaspoon of pure powdered caffeine can equate to 28 cups of coffee — and the FDA estimates that these products have contributed to two deaths in the US. 

Overall, moderate caffeine intake is considered safe for your heart, and drinking a few cups of coffee may even have cardiovascular benefits. But if you are sensitive to caffeine or consuming too much, it’s best to exercise caution.

90,000 Coffee does not affect the heart rate

It turned out that the question of the effect of drinks with a high caffeine content, in particular, natural coffee, on the cardiovascular system and heart function requires additional consideration from scientists. It is generally believed that coffee causes heart palpitations, but experts from San Francisco claim the opposite. As a result of the research, scientists have found that caffeine that enters the body with drinking coffee does not affect the change in the heart rate.On the contrary, a cup of coffee in the morning can bring many health benefits.

Patients with problems of the cardiovascular system, doctors categorically prohibit drinking coffee. But it is worth paying attention to what doses of coffee becomes dangerous for the human body.

Employees of the University of California note that abuse of the drink causes sleep disturbance, excessive activity, increased acidity in the stomach and a rapid heart rate. But drinking three cups of coffee during the day is very beneficial for your health.

First of all, caffeine activates the work of the heart muscle, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In addition, it is beneficial for people with asthma, as it can cause expansion of the pulmonary vesicles and have a positive effect on the respiratory center of the brain. Coffee differs from other drinks in its high content of antioxidants, which are known to neutralize harmful radiation and toxins that enter the body from the external environment, increase immunity and slow down the aging process of the body.
The researchers are pushing for a change in the recommendations for drinking coffee, tea and cocoa, because these drinks can reduce the risk of developing malignant intestinal tumors and suppress the excessive production of thyroid hormones. Scientists have been able to prove that moderate consumption of coffee does not make the heart work faster, and even the blood pressure from drinking a cup of drink remains normal. But people who gave up coffee in order to maintain health, also abandoned the benefits that caffeine has on the cardiovascular system and the body as a whole.

Source: www.medicina99.ru

How coffee affects the pulse and can it be drunk with arrhythmias

Increased heart rate when drinking coffee is a side effect of caffeine. The plant alkaloid belongs to natural psychostimulants – it stimulates the nervous system, increases efficiency, drives away sleep and fatigue. The pulse after coffee may increase, and the blood pressure rises slightly. There is an opinion that an invigorating drink is categorically contraindicated for people suffering from tachycardia and arrhythmia, but not everything is so simple.

Effect of coffee on pulse

Caffeine relaxes the walls of blood vessels, which increases blood flow and improves the supply of oxygen to the heart. At the same time, the alkaloid acts on the adrenal glands, which begin to increase the production of adrenaline. For this reason, coffee increases blood pressure and heart rate. The processes are not so obvious that a healthy person can feel them. This kind of exercise even strengthens blood vessels and is good for the heart.

Tachycardia is characterized by a persistent increase in heart rate over 90 beats per minute.The unpleasant consequences of the disease are a violation of the normal supply of oxygen to the heart and the risk of ischemia, leading to heart attacks.

If earlier cardiologists were categorically against drinking coffee for tachycardia, now the opinion of doctors is gradually changing. Numerous studies show that drinking coffee in acceptable doses does not have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. Coffee raises the pulse slightly, while the heart rate quickly returns to normal.

Coffee and arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a pathological condition in which cardiac conduction is disturbed, as well as the frequency and rhythm of heart contractions. The manifestations of the disease are interruptions in the work of the heart, a feeling of fading, attacks of severe tachycardia, fainting and choking.

Previously, with this disease, it was recommended to completely exclude caffeinated drinks from the diet. But recent studies conducted by scientists from different countries have shown that the harm of coffee with arrhythmias is greatly exaggerated.

Specialists of one of the large US medical companies Kaiser Permanente studied the relationship between coffee consumption and the risk of developing heart rhythm disturbances. The study lasted more than ten years, more than 130 thousand people took part in it. Statistical data showed that for the entire time, arrhythmia was diagnosed in 2.5% of the participants in the experiment.

At the same time, disorders were observed in people who did not drink coffee at all. In a 2011 report in The Permanente, study leader Arthur Klacki concluded that there is no reason to stop drinking coffee to prevent heart rhythm disturbances.The conclusions of scientists concern only moderate consumption of an invigorating drink in acceptable doses.

Caffeine overdose can lead to undesirable consequences for people suffering from tachycardia and arrhythmia – overstrain of the nervous system, increased adrenaline rush, which as a result causes a deterioration.

Safe dose

The norm of caffeine, established by the European Food Safety Agency, is not more than 400 mg per day. A cup of espresso contains up to 75 mg of caffeine; in latte and cappuccino, this figure is halved due to the presence of milk in the composition.

Do not drink coffee on an empty stomach. Once on the unprotected mucous membrane, caffeine is instantly absorbed into the bloodstream and has a stronger effect on the adrenal glands, stimulating a sharp release of adrenaline.

The best time to drink is in the morning or mid-afternoon, as arrhythmias often occur at night.

The effect of caffeine is manifested in different ways depending on the genetic predisposition and metabolic rate. It is recommended to reduce the amount of drink if the following symptoms occur:

• persistent tachycardia at rest;
• nervousness and anxiety;
• sweating;
• sleep problems.

You need to listen carefully to your body and adjust the amount of caffeine depending on your health condition. In addition, the alkaloid is found in tea, chocolate, cocoa and carbonated drinks, so this fact must be taken into account when calculating the daily dose.

Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.

Article author:

researcher and coffee connoisseur

How does coffee affect the heart?

If earlier it was believed that coffee is basically just caffeine, today it has already been discovered that beans contain about 2000 substances, many of which have not yet been studied.But there are definitely antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and natural oils that have a positive effect on the heart, so coffee in many cases helps to prevent various diseases.

The influence of coffee on the development of cardiovascular diseases

According to two large studies, one with over 400,000 participants and the other over 1 million, there is no link between coffee consumption and long-term heart disease risk. In fact, the first study found that moderate coffee consumption reduced this risk in women, and the second found that 3-5 cups of coffee a day reduced the risk of heart disease in everyone.

Coffee protects against the development of cardiovascular disease as long as the consumption is not excessive.

Risk of death from heart disease

Coffee consumers are less likely to die from heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. A study of the health of more than 80,000 women found a specific reduction in stroke risk among those who drank 2-3 cups a week (a 19% decrease) and who drank 4 or more cups a week (a 20% reduction).Additional studies have found similar results regardless of gender.

Allow yourself to dream, surrendering to dreams completely. The last sip is especially thick and rich, and at the bottom it is thick. What will her intricate pattern show you? It only depends on you …

The reduction in risk may be partly explained by the individual findings of Greek researchers that coffee improves endothelial function. When the endothelial cells lining the arteries are healthy, blood flows more easily, the heart should not work as hard, and you are less likely to develop atherosclerosis.

2-3 ​​cups of coffee significantly reduce the risk of dying from heart disease.

Risk of arrhythmia and irregular heartbeat

Studies have shown that caffeine does not cause arrhythmia disease, but it can sometimes serve as a catalyst for the development of the disease, especially if there is a history of heart attacks or illness.

2-3 ​​cups of coffee per day reduce the risk of hospitalization with arrhythmia by 7-10% compared to people who do not drink coffee at all.

Risk of high blood pressure

Coffee raises blood pressure, and that’s a fact. American scientists conducted a two-day experiment. Half of the subjects received caffeine capsules on the first day, and the other half received a placebo. On the second day, the two groups were swapped: the placebo group received caffeine on the first day on the second, and the caffeine group received a placebo.

Blood pressure and heart rate were measured twice on both days, and stress hormone levels were monitored through urine samples.When they compared the amount of caffeine and placebo, the researchers found that subjects’ blood pressure was higher on caffeine days – an average of 4 mm higher for systolic pressure and 3 mm for diastolic pressure. Stress hormone levels also increased by an average of 32% on caffeine days.

An increase in pressure by 3-4 mm Hg does not affect the general well-being in any way.

However, there is one study that says coffee can pose a risk if you already have high blood pressure.Italian scientists conducted a long-term study involving about 1200 people, aged 18 to 45, with mild hypertension. After 12 years, researchers concluded that drinking 4 or more cups a day was four times the risk of a heart event, and moderate drinkers (1-3 cups) were three times the risk.

Coffee can be harmful if you already have high blood pressure.

Risk of unhealthy cholesterol

Yes, coffee contains cafeestol, 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 effectively traps cafeestol so that it does not harm your heart and blood vessels.

Filter coffee if you have high cholesterol.

How much coffee can you drink without harming your heart?

Basically, the question of the effect of coffee on the heart boils down to comparing the negative effects of caffeine versus the protective antioxidant benefits of polyphenols.

There is nothing wrong with one or two cups of coffee a day.So if you can’t live without your favorite drink, don’t worry. Just don’t overdo it with sugar or sweeteners, which can offset the benefits of coffee. If you have cardiovascular disease, drink no more than 2 cups of coffee a day, monitor your condition and check with your doctor.

If you do drink coffee, there is no reason to give it up entirely because of the heart’s effects of caffeine.

Conclusions:

1. The effect of coffee on the heart lies not only in the negative effects of caffeine, but also in the positive ones from antioxidants and polyphenols.
2. Coffee itself does not cause heart disease.
3. Coffee has been shown to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and the frequency of hospitalizations for heart disease.
4. With high blood pressure or previous heart disease, you can drink coffee, but no more than a cup a day.
5. If you drink coffee, you don’t have to give it up completely, reducing the amount to 1-2 cups a day, so as not to harm yourself.

There is a lot of controversy about a tasty, aromatic drink.True connoisseurs of coffee are ready to turn a blind eye to myths regarding the harmful properties of this product. But when it comes to the health of the heart muscle and the effect of a coffee drink on its smooth functioning, then it is worth talking about it in more detail.

The effect of coffee on the heart.

The effect of coffee on the heart will depend on two factors:

1. How much of this drink is consumed per day.
2. Does the person have heart disease.

Moderate consumption of a flavored drink does not pose a threat to humans. However, if a person has already encountered heart problems, then they can activate with renewed vigor. This happens due to the special effect of caffeine on the human body. The vessels located in the region of the brain 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 more actively and with more pressure.

Also, caffeine affects the work of the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of a hormone such as adrenaline. It begins to be produced in large quantities, and this leads to the fact that the heart rate increases. In this case, it can be argued that coffee has a bad effect on the heart. A person in the area of ​​the heart feels tingling.

Contraindications

People who have already had heart problems should be careful with caffeinated drinks.Also, it will be necessary to stop using in the following situations:

• if a person is in a stressful state;
• with severe nervous overstrain;
• after a sleepless night;
• after or before exercising;
• when a cup of not strong coffee has already been drunk, and then the person brews himself a larger dose.

In all these cases, coffee affects the heart negatively. Therefore, in such situations, it is better to refuse a fragrant drink and prefer herbal tea to it.

Positive effects of caffeine

As already mentioned, the harm from this drink to the heart muscle will directly depend on the number of mugs drunk. It turns out that if a person does not exceed two cups of coffee a day, then he will thereby help his heart and reduce the risk of premature death from some kind of heart disease. Caffeine contains a unique component called chlorogenic acid. This substance has tremendous antioxidant properties.Thanks to this, it is possible to preserve the youth and health of the cells of the heart muscle. In addition, caffeine has a positive effect on the tissue located on the inner side of blood vessels and the heart. When this tissue is functioning properly, it allows blood flow to flow freely and thus maintains a healthy rhythm for the heart muscle. It also has the following properties:

1. participates in the process of blood clotting;
2. helps platelets stay on the vascular walls.

Once this tissue is dysfunctional, the risk of a massive heart attack increases.And in this case, caffeine has a positive effect on the heart. If you drink one cup of this invigorating drink every day, you will be able to protect your body from a possible stroke, heart attack or heart attack.

Which coffee is safe to drink for the heart system

Many believe that only the influence of strong coffee on the heart can give a negative result. However, this does not depend on the strength, but on the quantity and type of drink. If you consume more than six cups a day of such a drink, then there can be no talk of any benefits.You should also drink only natural ground coffee. And it is better to refuse soluble. In case of heart disease, it will be harmful. It contains chemical additives that negatively affect the structure of blood vessels.

But if a person suffers from ischemic disease and at the same time encounters low blood pressure, he is simply recommended to drink a cup a day. Therefore, as soon as physical weakness, slight dizziness or trembling in the limbs is felt, it is necessary to drink a natural espresso.

Coffee can be drunk reasonably and in small quantities. An increased dosage of this drink will only have a negative effect on the work of the heart and vascular system. Be careful with such a product, you need to be those who have already encountered such ailments and has a predisposition to them.

Almost any natural product has many different properties. It is important to know the benefits and harms of natural coffee for everyone who includes this drink in the morning diet or consumes it during the day.Positive properties can be considered: Content of potassium and magnesium. Coffee contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, but most of all in its composition potassium and magnesium.

By the way, they are essential for the health of the heart muscle. Coffee lowers cholesterol levels, which is why both freshly ground and instant coffee are very healthy. Coffee fights infections and flushes out toxins. It is used in medicine for certain infectious diseases, as well as if it is necessary to neutralize the effect of drugs, sleeping pills or poisons that suppress the central nervous system.Gives the opportunity to cheer up when his strength is already running out. This invigorating drink has a number of other beneficial properties. First of all, coffee contains anticancer substances. This primarily helps to reduce the risk of developing cancer of the stomach, small and large intestines. In addition, the tasty drink contains substances that increase performance. In addition, it serves as an excellent prophylactic agent against diabetes mellitus, asthma and liver cirrhosis. How caffeine works on the heart and brain In addition to coffee, caffeine is found in large quantities in tea and sodas.Also, caffeine (in various forms) is included in the composition of many drugs, which enhances their effect.

Under the influence of caffeine, brain cells begin, more intensively than usual, to perceive and transmit nerve impulses. The work of the heart is forced (even without external load), breathing becomes deep, metabolism accelerates, kidney function improves, blood pressure rises, a person feels cheerful. As mentioned above, for a long time it was believed that drinking coffee can lead to the development of coronary heart disease and even myocardial infarction.However, very serious studies carried out at the end of the last century refuted this statement.

It was found that: Consumption of three cups of coffee a day does not lead to coronary disasters (however, because of the consumption of nine or more cups of coffee a day, anything can happen, even sudden death from cardiac arrest). One or two cups of coffee a day does not provoke ventricular arrhythmias in heart attackers or in patients with any type of arrhythmia, if these people are under the supervision of a doctor and take their prescribed medications.The same studies have shown that coffee is the strongest antioxidant (anti-aging food).

True, the beneficial antioxidant properties practically disappear when roasting coffee beans, however, in coffee from slightly roasted beans, useful substances remain up to 3.5%, and this is not so little. In the medical world, the effect of coffee on the course of heart ailments is primarily associated with the action of caffeine. Although there was no previous experimental evidence for this, the stimulant alkaloid was thought to contribute to increased blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders.Recent studies have shown that the alkaloid inhibits the hardening of the connective tissues of various organs, incl. mitral valve, which indirectly prevents arrhythmia.

90,000 for whom it is undesirable to consume the popular drink

07 June 2021 08:05

Photo: top10a.ru

Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world.It helps to cheer up in the morning and maintains performance throughout the day. Coffee also stimulates the production of the hormone of joy, which improves mood and energizes.

How caffeine affects blood pressure depends primarily on the characteristics of the organism. For example, if you have low blood pressure (hypotension), and you drank coffee, then after a while the pressure will rise. But if you have normal pressure , this will not happen. Cause? Coffee raises blood pressure and heart rate immediately after drinking with hypotension and does not have this effect if the pressure is normal.But for die-hard coffee aficionados, the body can become addictive, which means it can stop giving the expected response to caffeine.

It is undesirable to drink caffeinated drinks for people who have gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers. Caffeine stimulates increased gastric acid production, which has a harmful effect on the digestive system. You can not abuse caffeine-containing drinks with severe arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, insomnia, as it can increase the heart rate, provoke sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, nervousness.It is undesirable to combine an invigorating drink and smoking. Due to the simultaneous use of caffeine and nicotine, the risk of hypertension increases.

Some alternatives to coffee contain caffeine, while others naturally do not. You can try:
– coffee with chicory;
– coffee from dandelion root;

– rooibos tea;
– mate;
– roasted barley or cereal drinks.

From 3 to 5 cups of coffee per day, equivalent to 400 mg of caffeine, are recognized as safe for the body of a healthy person.

But it is always important to observe precautions and remember about the individual characteristics of the organism. After all, the sensitivity and response to caffeine can vary greatly from person to person.

90,000 Influence of coffee on the development of arrhythmia in the heart

05.12.2019

Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances) are one of the most common heart diseases in people of all ages.Certain rhythm disturbances (for example, atrial fibrillation or atrial fibrillation) without timely diagnosis and treatment can lead to blood clots, ischemic stroke and cardiac arrest.

Symptoms:

• cardiopalmus;

• increased sweating, shortness of breath, muscle weakness;

• dizziness, fainting.

To keep the heart healthy, it is enough to visit a cardiologist at least once a year, do an ultrasound of the heart in Minsk and undergo an EKG.

How does coffee affect arrhythmias in patients with heart disease?

For a long time, there was an opinion that the use of caffeine makes the heart change the rhythm, which causes atrial fibrillation. Not so long ago, doctors advised patients with this diagnosis to abstain or completely exclude coffee from daily consumption.

Scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Uppsala (Sweden) have found that coffee and drinks containing caffeine in no way contribute to the onset and development of atrial fibrillation. For more than 12 years, the Swedish Institute has conducted research with the participation of about 80 thousand people from the USA and Sweden. Throughout the entire period, scientists closely monitored the health of the heart and blood vessels of the participants in the experiment.

Several groups of volunteers were involved.

At the start of the study, 9% of all participants were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

According to the results of observations of the first group, it turned out that even large doses of caffeine did not in any way affect the health of participants who had already suffered from arrhythmia and those who were diagnosed with it during these 12 years.

The data obtained were further confirmed by the results of observation of the second group of subjects and the results of other similar studies in this area.

Re-examination revealed some more interesting facts:

1. Excessive coffee consumption in women reduced the predisposition to arrhythmias.

2. The same factor in men, to a very weak degree, but increased the chance of developing arrhythmias.

Susanna Larsson, a leading specialist in the research program, continues to study and search for the reasons for the manifestation of such properties of caffeine on the human body.

We would like to remind you that the reasons for the development of atrial fibrillation are factors that affect the functional ability of the myocardium: hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart surgery, etc.

Coffee for tachycardia

Can I drink coffee for tachycardia?

Tachycardia is a disease of the cardiovascular system . It is manifested by a rapid heartbeat, general weakness of the body, a feeling of lack of oxygen, and dizziness.

When people first encounter this disease, they confuse it with the usual weakness, fatigue, lack of sleep and other natural factors that give the same symptoms. Sometimes they try to remove weakness with coffee, and this can lead to a worsening of the condition.

Can I drink coffee if you have been diagnosed with tachycardia? What if you cannot refuse your favorite drink ?

Is coffee tachycardia possible?

Coffee itself, as a drink, cannot cause Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a general signal and indicator of the body that not everything is in order in its work.

Many factors can cause tachycardia:

• Lack of sleep.
• Smoking.
• Consuming alcohol on a regular basis.
• Stress.
• General body fatigue.

But, in turn, coffee can intensify the attacks of weakened organism.

Caffeine raises the pulse and constricts blood vessels , therefore, after a portion of coffee, especially on an empty stomach, you may experience a tachycardia sensation.If you experience such sensations only after drinking coffee, then you should think about the volume of coffee consumed, or its strength . Drinking a glass of water after coffee will dilute the caffeine concentration in your stomach and reduce the risk of tachycardia.

Symptoms of tachycardia when drinking coffee

If you are not sure of the diagnosis of Tachycardia, then when drinking coffee, you should pay attention to the following manifestations:

• Lack of air.
• Sweat appears.
• It’s hard to breathe.
• Suffocation.

In this condition, it is better to sit or lie down and drink 2-3 glasses of water. Sleep if possible.

What kind of coffee can I drink with Tachycardia?

First of all, you need to give up instant coffee (you should give it up even if you don’t have a tachycardia 😊). The content of caffeine in instant coffee is very high, moreover, instant coffee contains.

• Emulsifiers
• Taste enhancers
• Stabilizers
• Dyes
• Various preservatives.

All these additives additionally will worsen the condition of the weakened organism. It is a fairly common practice when people, switching from instant coffee to natural grain, forever forgot about tachycardia.

Benefits of natural coffee for tachycardia

(If you cannot stop drinking coffee, consult your doctor, he will give you the most correct assessment of the state of the body and give advice on drinking coffee. Your health is not a joke)

• Natural grain coffee is a fairly healthy product if consumed in moderation.Drink pure arabica with added milk or cream. It is better to refuse sugar in coffee.
• You can switch to decaf . This is a good alternative. Technology now makes it possible to extract caffeine from beans with virtually no loss of flavor.
• Many people switch to green coffee , but the caffeine content in it is the same as in the roast. Therefore, the requirements for green coffee are the same as for regular coffee.

Cardiac arrhythmias – the view of the doctors of the MediArt clinic

Arrhythmia is a heart rhythm that differs from the normal sinus rhythm.In this case, a violation of the normal functioning of the organ, that is, the frequency, rhythm and sequence of excitation and contraction of the heart, occurs, which can lead to complications.

The most common causes of arrhythmias are myocardial infarction, heart failure, acquired and congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and mitral valve prolapse.

As with other cases of heart disease, arrhythmias are often associated with emotional stress and other mental problems.Smoking, alcohol, toxicosis have a negative effect.

Arrhythmia groups

Group with violation of automatism:

• sinus tachycardia and bradycardia,

• sinus arrhythmia and others.

Sinus tachycardia – an increase in heart rate from 90 to 160 per minute while maintaining the correct sinus rhythm.In a healthy person, it usually occurs during physical exertion, stress, and the use of strong coffee. But it can be observed in the absence of these factors.

Sinus bradycardia – a decrease in the frequency of contractions to 55 per minute with a normal sinus rhythm. At the same time, dizziness, headache, sometimes fainting and a feeling of compression in the chest are recorded. A decrease in heart rate below 30 beats per minute is life-threatening.

With sinus arrhythmia , the difference between heart contractions reaches more than 10%, and the pulse remains normal.

With atrial fibrillation , there is a disturbance in the rhythm with an irregular contraction. People feel a strong beating of the heart, constriction in the chest, pulsation of the arteries. The person needs to be put to bed, given sedatives, call an ambulance.

Group with impaired excitability of cardiac atria:

• extrasystoles,

• paroxysmal tachycardia.

Extrasystoles – untimely contraction of the heart, which is apparently observed most often from arrhythmias. A person complains of tremors, strong beats in the heart, a feeling of heart sinking, a feeling of a stopped heart.

With paroxysmal tachycardia , palpitations are observed with a frequency of up to 150-180 beats per minute, usually while maintaining a regular heart rate. The attacks suddenly begin and end in the same way, they vary in duration.

Group with impaired conductivity of the arisen impulses:

• increased conductivity,

• decrease in conduction (intra-atrial and other blockages, including bundle branch block).

With an increase in conduction, there is premature ventricular excitation, manifested in arrhythmias in the presence of an abnormal Kent’s bundle between the atria.

With heart block , the work of cardiac impulses and their conductivity deteriorate. The causes are more often inflammation or dystrophic changes in the walls of the myocardium. Symptoms: weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, sometimes pain in the heart with a return under the collarbone. The pulse usually drops to 40-50 beats per minute.

With atrial block , atrial excitation is impaired, often followed by atrial fibrillation.

Bundle of His – part of the heart muscle, including the trunk and two legs.The trunk is located between the ventricles, and the legs are directed towards the right and left ventricles. If the conduction of electrical impulses through these structures is disturbed, a bundle branch block is recorded. In this case, there are usually no clinical manifestations, it is very rare, mainly in men.

The group of mixed arrhythmias includes ventricular flutter and atrial fibrillation.

Ventricular flutter is a rhythmic contraction of the ventricles due to a steady circular motion of an impulse localized in them.Atrial flutter usually turns into fibrillation (fibrillation) of the ventricles.

Atrial fibrillation – frequent (350-700 beats per minute) chaotic excitement and contraction of atrial muscle fiber groups. With ventricular fibrillation, myocardial muscle fibers contract very often – up to 200-480 beats per minute. The symptoms are about the same: shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, fear.

Disease Treatment

Diagnostics includes obtaining an electrocardiogram, echocardiography, ultrasound, daily or multi-day Holter ECG monitoring.

The following drug groups are used:

• Antiarrhythmic drugs.

• Direct antiarrhythmics: Amiodarone, Ritmonorm and Allapinin, others. Unfortunately, they usually have a lot of side effects.

• Medicines affecting the organ’s conducting system: glycosides, beta-blockers. They affect the automatism of heart cells, reduce the frequency of contractions.

And it is imperative to treat the disease that caused the arrhythmias.

It is advisable to eat more garlic, flax seeds. Folk remedies are also considered to be infusions of valerian, calendula, lemon balm and hawthorn, onion with apple.

Almost always, a doctor recommends physical education, diets, taking vitamins and minerals, and special procedures.

The disease is treated by cardiologists and arrhythmologists, other doctors, without whom the process of correct treatment is often impossible.

In the worst cases of the development of the disease, more often with atrial fibrillation, surgical intervention is possible, including the use of pacemakers and defibrillators, and radiofrequency catheter ablation.