Can Caffeine Give You An Irregular Heart Beat?

Caffeine is a stimulating substance that is frequently consumed in beverages such as tea, coffee and energy drinks. Many people rely on a caffeinated drink to wake up in the morning or they may use it to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, and can cause an increase in both blood pressure and heart rate. Individuals with a greater sensitivity to caffeine or those who consume large quantities of caffeinated foods and beverages may experience irregular heart beat.

Physical Effects of Caffeine

When you consume caffeine it acts directly on the central nervous system to produce a variety of physical side effects. You feel more awake, alert and energized and you may experience increased heart rate. Some individuals with cardiovascular health concerns or a predisposition for anxiety may experience a feeling of rapid pulse, restlessness or even heart palpitations.

Controlling Caffeine Consumption

In general, you should consume no more than 300mg of caffeine, which is roughly 3 to 4 cups of coffee or 4 cups of strong tea. If you experience rapid or irregular heart rate after consuming caffeine, cut back on your consumption or stop altogether. Heavy caffeine use or more than 500mg per day can result in more extreme physical side effects, including heart palpitations, anxiety, dehydration and insomnia, and should be avoided.

Caffeine Addiction and Withdrawal

If you are a regular consumer of caffeine, you are at risk for developing an addiction. Even moderate daily use can result in physical dependency. Decreasing your intake can result in withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea and heart palpitations. The mood changes associated with withdrawal, such as anxiety or panic attacks, can also contribute to irregular heart beat.

Expert Insight

The Mayo Clinic notes that you can avoid the physical side effects of caffeine use or caffeine withdrawal by selecting decaffeinated beverages or diluting your drinks with milk or water. If you are trying to cut back on your caffeine habit or you want to quit altogether, scale back slowly over a period of several weeks to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms. Individuals with health concerns such as high blood pressure, heart disease or anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to irregular heart rate due to caffeine and should consult a medical professional regarding their caffeine consumption.