Heart Palpitations Caused By Caffeine

If you like the boost your morning cup of coffee or afternoon energy drink provides, you're not alone. The caffeine in such beverages, as well as in certain foods and medications, is the most widely used, self-administered psychotropic drug in the United States. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can make you feel more awake, alert, confident and motivated, but you also may be getting more than you bargained for. Heart palpitations are among the most common complaints of caffeine users, and it is the degree and frequency of such episodes that may cause you concern. If you experience heart palpitations, consult your doctor, as they may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Heart Palpitations

The term "heart palpitations" refers to any number of heart-related sensations, such as beats that are too fast or it seems your heart is pumping harder than usual. Some people may experience fluttering or skipped heartbeats. You may feel any of these sensations in your chest, neck or throat, and palpitations may occur at rest or during physical activity. To rule out a potential heart problem, your doctor may order heart-monitoring tests. You should seek emergency medical attention if heart palpitations are accompanied by dizziness, difficulty breathing, fainting or chest pain.

The Effects of Caffeine on Cardiac Activity

Healthy adults usually tolerate moderate daily caffeine consumption, about 200 milligrams, without any ill effects. If you experience heart palpitations, you may be more sensitive than the average person or your caffeine intake may be too high. Heavy use of caffeine -- 500 to 600 milligrams per day -- may cause a number of symptoms, including rapid heartbeat. Because caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, it has the potential to affect systems throughout your body. It may stimulate your cardiovascular system in the same way it heightens brain activity and makes you feel more alert and awake. A 2011 study revealed that subjects' heart rates increased for a 30-minute period after they consumed a cup of regular coffee containing 130 milligrams of caffeine. The researchers concluded that coffee consumption is a plausible pharmacological explanation for a noted increased risk of coronary disease episodes in the hour following consumption.

Prevention

Men who consume 240 milligrams of caffeine each day are 1.6 times more likely to experience heart palpitations than people who avoid caffeine, according to a 1985 study. That number climbs slightly to 1.7 times for women. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults should limit caffeine consumption to 100 to 200 milligrams per day. However, you may choose an even lower intake if you think you are more sensitive to caffeine's effects. Read nutrition labels and ingredients on beverage containers and food packages to learn the amount of caffeine per serving. Decaffeinated coffee, for example, has only 2 to 5 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 60 to 150 milligrams of caffeine in a cup of regular coffee.

Heart-healthy Choices

Although no definite link exists between excessive caffeine consumption and coronary disease, the American Heart Association advocates limiting caffeine intake to the equivalent of no more than 1 to 2 cups of coffee per day. Aside from stimulating the central nervous system, caffeine causes fatty tissue to release free fatty acids. The body does not need caffeine, and you can significantly reduce or eliminate it from your diet.

Heart Palpitations Caused by Caffeine