An echocardiogram is a medical test that uses sound waves to produce visual images of your heart. Your doctor may order an echocardiogram to see if your heart is beating properly and to identify any abnormalities in heart muscles or valves. Caffeine, which is a stimulant, affects your cardiovascular system in several ways that may influence the results of an echocardiogram.
Abnormal Heart Beat
Caffeine can disrupt a normal heart beat, causing inaccurate echocardiogram readings. High concentrations of caffeine, or more than 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, may increase heart rate, a condition called tachycardia. Caffeine may also cause premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs. When your heart ventricles contract prematurely, it adds extra beats to your heart beat. These extra beats may cause you to experience a skipping sensation in your chest.
Blood Pressure
Just 250 mg of caffeine, which is the amount offered by approximately 3 cups of coffee, can raise your blood pressure, both diastolic and systolic values, 11 to 14 mm Hg, according to Priory.com. The average amount of coffee consumed by coffee drinkers is 3.2 cups, or approximately 272 mg of caffeine per day. Caffeine’s effect on blood pressure is intensified on individuals who have a higher body fat percentage, a family history of high blood pressure and a high resting blood pressure.
Recommendations
While these effects of caffeine are usually temporary and do not cause major health problems, they can disrupt the results of an echocardiogram, leading your doctor to diagnose heart abnormalities that do not exist. To avoid improper diagnoses, avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine for at least 4 hours prior to an echocardiogram. This includes the well-known sources of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate and energy drinks, as well as the hidden sources of caffeine, like over-the-counter pain relievers.
Considerations
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. People who consume caffeine regularly may have built up a tolerance to the stimulant that makes these physical effects of caffeine almost nonexistent. Whether or not you are a regular caffeine user, it is still wise to avoid caffeine before undergoing an echocardiogram or any heart tests.
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