Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant and a diuretic that can cause atrial fibrillation and other problems when you consume excessive amounts. Caffeine overdose also may cause confusion, breathing problems and vomiting. Caffeine is found naturally in many foods, such as chocolate, and is added to others, such as energy drinks.
Identification
Atrial fibrillation is the most common kind of irregular heart rhythm that begins in your heart's atria. Instead of your sinus node directing your heart's electrical rhythm, numerous different impulses occur at once. This leads to a fast, chaotic rhythm in your atria, which is the two upper chambers of your heart. Since these electrical impulses are so quick and chaotic, your atria is unable to contract and squeeze blood into your ventricles, or lower heart chambers, effectively.
Caffeine Connection
Atrial fibrillation may be caused by underlying heart disease. In about 10 percent of cases, no such disease is present. In such cases, excessive caffeine consumption is one possible cause, according to the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center. Other possible causes include excessive alcohol consumption, certain drugs, stress, metabolic imbalances, electrolyte imbalances, genetic factors or severe infections. You may live for years with atrial fibrillation without problems, but this condition raises your risk for stroke, heart failure and death.
Limiting Caffeine
Health care professionals recommend limiting caffeine intake to moderate amounts of 300 mg or less daily, or about the amount in three cups coffee. Concern about caffeine overdose is on the rise with the advent of energy drinks, some of which have the daily recommended limit of caffeine or more in one bottle. You may be more sensitive to caffeine than are other people due to a variety of factors including sex, age, size and genetics, however.
Overdose
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of atrial fibrillation or caffeine toxicity after consuming caffeine. Atrial fibrillation symptoms may include heart palpitations marked by a sudden fluttering, pounding or racing sensation in your chest; dizziness; pressure, pain or discomfort in your chest; shortness of breath; and lack of energy. Additional signs of caffeine toxicity include muscle twitches, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, hallucinations and convulsions.
References
- MedlinePlus; Caffeine Overdose; January 2010
- Cleveland Clinic; What is Atrial Fibrillation?; 2011
- University of Illinois McKinley Health Center; Caffeine; 2010
- University of California Davis; Some Facts About Energy Drinks; Karrie Heneman, et al.
- Psychology Today; Coffee vs Energy Drinks; Matthew J. Edlund; July 2010
- Psychology Today; Caffeine Toxicity; Garth Sundem; August 2010
