Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, chocolate soft drinks, nuts, chocolate and some over-the-counter medications, stimulates the central nervous system. The effects caffeine has on the cardiovascular system depend on a person's tolerance level, lifestyle habits and consumption rates. Caffeine consumption of 100 to 200 mg each day does not appear to affect coronary heart disease.
Coronary Blood Flow
The stimulant effects of caffeine may increase the amount of blood reaching your heart through the coronary arteries because of vasodilation, explains Dr. Steven C. Herrman, a cardiologist at Bradford Regional Medical Center in Bradford, Penn. He goes on, however, to explain that as the stimulant effect speeds up your heart rate, your heart needs more oxygen and this can counteract the effects the vasodilation. A study published in the January 2006 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology," reports that caffeine intake may decrease blood flow to the heart during exercise. Herrman warns that a person with coronary artery disease may experience even less blood flow to the heart during exercise, which could lead to chest pain or a heart attack.
Arteriosclerosis
People often believe that caffeine can worsen arteriosclerosis, a common cause of coronary heart disease. However, a study published in the October 2010 issue of "Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology," reported no association between the consumption of caffeine and arteriosclerosis after following more than 5,000 people, ages 18 to 30, for a 20-year period. A study in the May 2011 issue of the "American Journal of Cardiology" showed that caffeine may actually protect your blood vessels by improving the function of the delicate lining inside your arteries, known as the endothelial lining. Improved functioning of this lining may actually decrease inflammatory responses within your vessels. Herrman explains that decreased inflammation and improved vascular health decreases your risk of advanced coronary heart disease.
Blood Pressure
Caffeine causes temporary spikes in your blood pressure. Sheldon G. Sheps, a hypertension specialist at the Mayo Clinic, reports that drinking two to three cups of coffee can increase you blood pressure from 3 to 14 mm of mercury. However, these spikes typically do not cause high blood pressure when you do not have caffeine in your system. If you have high blood pressure or borderline high blood pressure, discuss caffeine use with your doctor, Herrman advises.
Considerations
The exact effect of caffeine on heart disease has yet to be determined. Scientific studies have not shown definitive and repeatable results. These contradictory results may stem from dietary or exercise variances between participants. Herrman recommends focusing on getting regular exercise, consuming a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight to protect yourself from coronary heart disease.
References
- Steven C. Herrmann, M.D. PhD, FACC, FASE; Bradford Regional Medical Center; Bradford, Pennsylvania
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; Caffeine Decreases Exercise-Induced Myocardial Flow Reserve; Mehdi Namdar, M.D., et al.; January 2008
- "Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology"; Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Caffeine, and Tea Consumption in Young Adulthood and Atherosclerosis Later in Life: The CARDIA Study; J. P. Reis et al.; October 2010
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Impact of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Endothelial Function in Subjects With and Without Coronary Artery Disease; M. Shechter et al.; May 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine: How Does It Affect Blood Pressure?; Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D.; November 2009
