Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in many products, including soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and even some ice creams. While caffeine is safe to consume in moderation, excessive caffeine can be harmful, especially to your heart.
In this Q&A, Mary Ann McLaughlin, MD, MPH, FACC, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Health and Wellness, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, and Associate Professor of Medicine, Population Health Science and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discusses the effects of caffeine on heart health and how much is safe to have.
How does caffeine affect my heart and blood pressure?
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that makes your arteries squeeze more robustly, increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
What are the main health risks of caffeine?
When caffeine speeds up your heart rate, it increases your risk for developing an abnormal heart rate, known as arrhythmia, which in severe cases can lead to stroke. Additionally, too much caffeine increases nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia—and in rarer cases it can cause hallucinations, confusion, and some memory issues. It also speeds digestion, potentially causing gastrointestinal problems, including heartburn and loose stools. Caffeine is also addictive.
What are the health benefits of caffeine?
In addition to reducing drowsiness and making you more alert, caffeine can be useful for treating migraines and other headaches. There is also evidence that it can improve aerobic capacity. Many athletes take some amount of caffeine to improve performance.
How much caffeine is safe to have?
According to the CDC, 400 milligrams a day is considered safe for most adults. One eight ounce cup of coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine, but can have anywhere from 25 to 500 mg, depending on how the coffee is processed, what beans are used in the coffee, etc. Generally, more than four cups of coffee a day could be harmful. Energy drinks can contain excessive amounts of caffeine and should be consumed in moderation, if at all.
Drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks can become a habit. I recommend treating caffeine as a medication and paying attention to your intake. Low amounts are safe, but as you increase caffeine, your risk for developing heart problems and other health issues becomes more likely.
