A number of substances and conditions can set your heart a-flutter, and caffeine is one of them. Heart palpitations may result from stress, stimulants, medical conditions, electrolyte imbalances and many others. While heart palpitations usually aren't serious, it's important to seek emergency medical treatment if they are accompanied by heart attack symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, unusual sweating or lightheadedness.
Causes
When you experience heart palpitations, it may feel like your heart is fluttering, skipping beats, racing or pounding. You may feel also feel them in your chest or neck. These sensations do not necessarily indicate anything unusual is happening in the body, however. Caffeine consumption is a common cause of heart palpitations. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee stimulate the nervous system and cause anxiety in some people. You may be especially inclined to experience heart palpitations with caffeine if you are already stressed or have a preexisting anxiety disorder.
Recommended Intake
It is wise to limit or eliminate intake of coffee and other caffeinated beverages if caffeine gives you heart palpitations. The amount of caffeine it takes to make your heart palpitate varies significantly from person to person. According to the University of Iowa, some people report heart palpitations from consuming negligible amounts of caffeine found in chocolate; others can consume moderate or high doses of caffeine without experiencing heart palpitations. According to Medline Plus, three 8 oz. cups of coffee -- or about 250 mg of caffeine -- is considered a safe, moderate intake. Excessive caffeine doses -- defined by Medline Plus as 10 or more 8 oz. cups/day -- are more likely to cause heart palpitations and other side effects.
Heart Palpitations Solutions
According to Medline Plus, simply reducing caffeine consumption will often significantly reduce heart palpitations. In addition to limiting your coffee intake, you may also need to cut out other sources of caffeine in your diet, such as chocolate, soda or energy drinks. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, tai chi, yoga, meditation or other soothing activities may help reduce the frequency and severity of heart palpitations by relieving stress and anxiety. In order to rule out a serious underlying cause, it is also a good idea to see a doctor if you're having heart palpitations for the first time.
Tips
While avoiding caffeine may keep your heart from fluttering, quitting a coffee habit is easier said than done. If you are physically dependent on coffee and stop drinking it cold turkey, you may experience withdrawal symptoms including headaches, drowsiness, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Rather than cutting out coffee all at once, reducing intake gradually over days or weeks may help you avoid symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. If heart palpitations continue after cessation of caffeine use and a doctor has ruled out a serious cause, Medline Plus recommends trying to ignore heart palpitations unless they increase in severity.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Heart Fluttering in Chest, Throat, Neck
- MedlinePlus: Heart Palpitations
- MedlinePlus: Caffeine in the Diet
- Cleveland Clinic: Management of Arrhythmias (Abnormal Heart Beats)
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Heart Palpitations: Frequently Asked Questions; Michael G. Kienzle, MD; March 2000
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