Previous research has focused on studying the potential positive and negative effects of caffeine on heart health. A recent study presented at ACC Asia 2024 in India suggests that individuals who consume high amounts of caffeine on a regular basis may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even if they appear healthy otherwise. The study involved 92 participants between 18 and 45 years old who consumed caffeine at least five days a week. The researchers measured the participants’ blood pressure and heart rate before and after a three-minute step test to determine the impact of chronic caffeine consumption on heart health.
The study found that consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, equivalent to four cups of coffee, two energy drinks, or 10 cans of soda, had a significant impact on the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure over time. Participants who consumed 600 mg of caffeine a day, higher than the recommended daily limit, experienced even higher heart rate and blood pressure levels after physical activity. The researchers concluded that habitual high caffeine intake could hinder the recovery of heart rate and blood pressure after daily activities, putting otherwise healthy individuals at risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular events.
Registered dietitian nutritionist Monique Richard emphasized that chronic, excessive caffeine intake above 400 mg a day can elevate heart rate and blood pressure as well as come with other drawbacks such as excessive sugar and artificial ingredients. Cardiologist Yu-Ming Ni expressed dissatisfaction with the multitude of conflicting studies on coffee and caffeine, calling for more research on the cardiovascular impact of energy drinks, which can contain high amounts of caffeine. Ni suggested that reducing caffeine intake gradually, monitoring withdrawal symptoms, and staying hydrated while filling up on water-rich foods could help decrease daily caffeine consumption.
Richard recommended a gradual decrease in daily caffeine intake, monitoring withdrawal symptoms, staying hydrated, and recruiting the support of friends and social networks to decrease daily caffeine consumption. Ni suggested experimenting with replacing caffeine with water and changing habits to reduce dependence on caffeine. Both experts emphasized the importance of making conscious decisions about caffeine consumption based on individual needs and health goals to improve overall well-being in the long term.
