Caffeine, one of the most common stimulants worldwide, can be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and various food products. As a result of its widespread popularity, people often ask themselves: is drinking too much coffee bad for your heart?
While recent studies suggest that moderate consumption of coffee may provide certain beneficial effects on health, excessive consumption can have harmful effects.
According to the experts at the American College of Cardiology, moderate consumption of coffee means up to four cups, or 400 milligrams, of caffeine per day.
Even with moderate consumption, some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. According to the American College of Cardiology, people with pre-existing heart conditions, such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, may worsen their condition if they are considered ‘at risk’ for cardiomyopathy or coronary heart disease, or if they consume too much caffeine.
While studies have not definitively shown that large amounts of caffeine can lead to coronary heart disease, too much of the stimulant has been linked to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and heightened anxiety.
The American Heart Association notes that high amounts of caffeine can also contribute to other lifestyle-related conditions and potentially increase the risk of heart disease. Heavy consumption of caffeine can lead to changes in sleep, an increase in smoking and drinking, overexertion and stress, and an elevation of insulin resistance, all of which can all lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
So while moderate consumption may not have a direct connection to heart disease, large amounts of the stimulant can drastically increase the chance of health complications.
Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition affects around 17 million people and causes around 700,000 deaths each year.
The American Heart Association notes that some of the most common risk factors for coronary heart disease include hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity. However, the risk for the condition is also heavily dependent on lifestyle choices.
Reducing the amount of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol in one’s diet, as well as increasing the amount of vegetables and baked or grilled lean meats can make a large difference in reducing the risk for coronary heart disease.
Regular physical activity can also help reduce the risk. The American Heart Association suggests that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.
Staying away from cigarettes, cigars, and any other forms of tobacco can also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, leading to an improvement in overall heart health.
Stress
Stress has been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, and according to research from the American College of Cardiology, excessive amounts of caffeine can contribute to stress.
Studies indicate that high levels of the hormone cortisol, a stress hormone, can constrict the arteries and increase the risk of a heart attack. It is important to reduce stress through healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy since large amounts of caffeine can lead to an increase in stress.
Additionally, studies suggest that drinking too much coffee can lead to an increase in self-reported levels of stress, which can exacerbate cardiovascular risk factors. It is generally recommended that adults have no more than three cups of coffee a day, or up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.
Drinking large amounts of coffee can also make it harder to sleep, leading to an increase in stress hormones, especially cortisol. Reducing the amount of coffee one consumes and practicing good sleep hygiene can help reduce stress and improve overall heart health.
Age
The American College of Cardiology notes that age is also an important factor to consider when examining the relationship between coffee consumption and heart health. For example, elderly people may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine, and older individuals may be affected by the stimulant more at lower doses than younger people.
It is important to seek medical advice from a doctor and to keep track of any changes in symptoms or health status if a person is elderly and drinks more than two to three cups of coffee a day.
In general, doctors recommend that no more than one cup of coffee a day should be had with meals, and that elderly individuals who are overly sensitive to the effects of caffeine should consume even less.
Moreover, it is important to note that elderly people are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular chronic diseases and should be especially vigilant in following the recommended dietary and lifestyle guidelines to ensure their overall heart health.
Weight
Finally, researchers from the American College of Cardiology say that weight should be taken into consideration when examining the effects of coffee on heart health.
Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can cause an increase in urine production and water loss, leading to dehydration and a decrease in weight. Studies suggest that excessive caffeine consumption can have a negative effect on body and heart health due to the potential for dehydration.
Hydration is an important factor in maintaining overall cardiovascular health. Low hydration levels can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and an increase in blood pressure, both of which can lead to an increase in the risk for coronary heart disease.
Those that are overweight should still limit the amount of coffee they consume per day and should pay extra attention to their hydration. People who are overweight and consume large amounts of coffee should also be aware of their dietary and lifestyle choices, and seek medical advice from their doctor if they feel any changes in their health.
