Excess coffee intake can lead to a variety of symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath and lightheadedness can all occur in individuals who consume more than the recommended daily limit of 500 milligrams of caffeine each day. If you suspect that your symptoms may be indicative of a heart attack, seek immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
Heart Attack Symptoms
Each year, more than a million people in the U.S. experience a heart attack. According to MedlinePlus, about half of these die each year because they do not seek help immediately. Symptoms of heart attack include feeling pressure or pain in the chest, arms, shoulder, neck and back, along with shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness and sweating. Most heart attacks occur due to blood clotting in the coronary artery that can block the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart.
Coffee and Caffeine
Individuals who consume more than 500 milligrams of caffeine a day -- roughly 4 or more cups of coffee -- may experience restlessness, upset stomach, accelerated heart rate, muscle tremors and insomnia. The degree to which these symptoms occur depends upon personal factors such as body weight, gender, age, medication, caffeine sensitivity and other health conditions. At this level, caffeine generally does not create the sensation of pain or tightness in your chest and upper body that is indicative of a heart attack.
Caffeine Overdose
More extreme cases of excess coffee intake can lead to a lethal condition known as caffeine overdose. Many of the symptoms of caffeine overdose mimic those of a heart attack, including dizziness, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat. Like a heart attack, caffeine overdose can lead to death due to heart failure in severe cases. If you are prone to heart attacks and have consumed the equivalent of 8 or more cups of coffee, it may be difficult to determine if your symptoms are caused by excess caffeine or a heart attack.
Safety Concerns
Seek immediate medical help if you think your symptoms may indicate a heart attack, regardless of how much coffee you have consumed. Reacting too slowly to a heart attack may result in severe damage or death. Talk to your doctor about your personal susceptibility to heart attacks, and keep your caffeine intake to a moderate level, below 300 milligrams per day.
