The National Institutes of Health define heart palpitations as sensations of rapid or racing heartbeats. Although this feeling is disconcerting, it usually is not a cause for alarm. The heart still is pumping blood, and it is just experiencing a momentary irregularity in its beats. Most heart palpitations are a result of outside triggers, and caffeine is a common trigger, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Caffeine
Caffeine causes heart palpitations partly because it stimulates the central nervous system, the American Heart Association says. Although the heart has a spontaneous rhythm, nervous impulses can alter the rhythm. Some people simply are more sensitive to caffeine, which heightens the body's reaction and triggers momentary heart palpitations.
Features
The Mayo Clinic says most people can tolerate a moderate amount of caffeine without uncomfortable side effects. About 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine, which is equivalent to two to four cups of regular coffee, is considered moderate. More than this amount can stimulate a reaction, including heart palpitations.
Symptoms
Heart palpitations can manifest in more ways than a rapid or racing heart rate. For some people, it feels like a fluttering in the chest, the Mayo Clinic says. Other people experience a more forceful or pounding rhythm of the heart. It can even cause the sensation of a skipped heartbeat.
Treatment
Limit your caffeine consumption if it triggers heart palpitations, the National Institutes of Health says. Some people are so sensitive to caffeine that they must avoid coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks and chocolate, but the limits vary.
Considerations
Although heart palpitations rarely are serious, they can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as arrhythmia or heart failure. If heart palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting, or for any other concerns, consult a doctor.
