Green tea is a beverage made by steeping unfermented, or unoxidized, leaves of the species Camellia sinensis in water. In its natural form, green tea contains the central nervous system stimulant caffeine. Heart palpitations are unusual heart-related sensations or perceptions that commonly include a racing or pounding heartbeat. Because of its caffeine content, green tea can potentially trigger or even worsen heart palpitations.
Green Tea Basics
After harvesting, tea can be dried and prepared in several different ways. Black tea and another type of tea called oolong tea are made by subjecting C. sinensis to a controlled process called oxidation, sometimes inaccurately referred to as fermentation, which chemically alters and darkens their leaves. Green tea leaves do not undergo oxidation. Like black and oolong teas, green tea naturally contains caffeine, which narrows your blood vessels and increases your heart rate. Depending on several factors, a single 8-oz. serving of green tea can contain anywhere from 9 to 50 mg of caffeine.
Understanding Heart Palpitations
Under normal circumstances, most people have a heart rate of anywhere from 60 to 100 beats per minute. In people with heart palpitations, this rate seems unusually accelerated or altered in other ways that can include skipping of a heartbeat, a fluttering sensation or inclusion of extra heartbeats. In addition, some people with heart palpitations simply have an unusual awareness of their own normal heartbeat. Depending on your circumstances, you can perceive the symptoms of heart palpitations in locations that include your chest, neck or throat.
Caffeine's Effects
Any type of caffeine intake can potentially trigger the onset of heart palpitations, according to the Cleveland Clinic. By definition, this includes caffeinated green tea and other tea products, as well as cola-based soft drinks, chocolate and certain foods and sports drinks. Green tea consumption can also lead to side effects that include nervousness, anxiety and irritability. Whether triggered by caffeine use or any other source, anxiety and other stressful emotional states can also lead to the onset of heart palpitation symptoms.
Reducing Heart Palpitations
The Cleveland Clinic and the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus recommend that people with heart palpitations limit their caffeine intake and learn techniques or exercises, such as deep breathing or Tai Chi, which can help reduce stress or anxiety. If you have heart palpitations and want to drink green tea, consider choosing a decaffeinated product. Other lifestyle changes that can potentially reduce or prevent heart palpitations include avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, getting regular exercise, avoiding medications that contain stimulants and keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure levels within healthy norms. While most heart palpitations aren’t medically serious, some palpitations have dangerous or life-threatening underlying causes. If you have heart palpitations, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
