Heart palpitations are abrupt increases in heart rate, most often accompanied by sensations of pounding or fluttering. While occasional heart palpitations are common and rarely require treatment, significant or frequent changes in heart rate may be signs of a serious medical condition. Because green tea contains caffeine, it is likely to trigger heart palpitations. Green tea is not a viable treatment option for people who are prone to heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat.
Caffeine in Green Tea
Green tea contains caffeine, which is a fairly powerful stimulant. Like other stimulants, caffeine does elevate a person's heart rate and can trigger transient episodes of heart palpitations. One cup of green tea contains about 25 to 30 milligrams of caffeine, compared to the 45 to 50 milligrams of caffeine in each cup of black tea. For those sensitive to stimulants, one to two cups of green tea may be sufficient to cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and elevations in heart rate.
Caffeine and Palpitations
The National Institutes of Health attributes the side effects of green tea to its moderate caffeine content. According to the NIH, irritability and irregular heartbeat are among the most common side effects of green tea. MayoClinic.com notes that caffeine is one of the primary causes of heart palpitations and urges people who are prone to rapid heart rates to avoid caffeine. Stimulants such as green tea are far more likely to augment palpitations than to effectively treat them.
Possible Benefits
Although green tea is not likely to prevent or treat heart palpitations, it may offer some benefits for cardiovascular health. The National Institutes of Health reports that green tea may relieve symptoms of low blood pressure and may help to reduce levels of triglycerides (fat in the bloodstream). Green tea could hypothetically also reduce symptoms of hypertension or high blood pressure, but more studies are needed to determine its safety and efficacy. If you have any form of heart disease, it is critical to discuss treatment options with a qualified health care provider.
Prevention
People who are prone to heart palpitations can take precautions to minimize the effects of green tea on heart rate. Those who are especially sensitive should generally avoid caffeinated forms of green tea. People taking cocaine, ephedrine or amphetamines should avoid all forms of caffeine entirely since the combination of stimulants could trigger severe heart palpitations and other cardiovascular side effects. Green tea also interacts with several other prescription drugs. If you have a medical condition or take any form of medication, talk to your health care provider to determine if any amount of green tea is safe for you.
