Is caffeine bad for your heart?
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SCAI answered:You may have felt your heart rate speed up after drinking coffee. Does this mean that caffeine is bad for your heart?
Recent research suggests that moderate caffeine consumption (up to four cups of coffee a day) will not cause a person to be hospitalized for heart arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat). Also, moderate coffee consumption may slightly reduce the risk of dying from heart disease. These studies, however, will need to be verified with additional research studies.
If you have known heart rhythm problems or existing heart disease, talk with your doctor about caffeine consumption. In these cases, your doctor may still suggest that you restrict caffeine intake.
Moderate caffeine consumption may be safe for people without existing heart disease, but this does not mean that you should increase your caffeine intake if you drink little or no coffee. Caffeine is addictive and can contribute to dehydration, temporary spikes in blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety and other effects.
You may have felt your heart rate speed up after drinking coffee. Does this mean that caffeine is bad for your heart? Recent research suggests that moderate caffeine consumption (up to four cups of coffee a day) will not cause a person to be... More
