We cannot neglect the fact that the USA has been jolted with caffeine. Typically, on an average of 80% of the adult has been consuming the caffeine through different forms of caffeine on a daily basis. According to the FAA, these caffeinated products include tea, soda, coffee, soft drinks, chocolates, and etc.
Although, this helps you in providing mental and physical boost temporarily based upon the amount consume and source through which it is prepared. However, consuming caffeine have different positive and negative side effects on the human body.
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Stimulating Effects of Caffeine:
Caffeine includes a natural stimulant. The main effect covers the central part of the nervous system. It increases the alertness and worked as the energy booster when tired.
The effect of caffeine rapidly starts within an hour after consumption. Moreover, the body eliminating half of the caffeine within four to six hours. However, the reaction among bodies depends upon the sensitivity of the body and how quickly the caffeine is digested within the system.
It is assumed that it is safer for healthy adults when taken under 400 mg per day. The amount of this caffeine is roughly equal to consuming 4 cups of coffee.
However, the side effects start when the amount of caffeine dosage is relatively higher (>400 mg/day) or taken directly by mouth. This dosage can also cause these following side effects such as:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Stomach irritation
- Vomiting
- Increased Respiration
- Restlessness
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- And many other side effects.
In this article we will discuss the cause and effects of caffeine on heart, is caffeine bad for your heart? Can Caffeine cause heart arrhythmia and is it a good choice to take coffee after a Heart attack?
It is to be noted that caffeine increases the sleep disorder and make it worse among the patient that induced with Acquired Immunodeficiency System (AIDS). A large amount of dosage effect the anxiety, chest pain, ringing in the ears, headache and agitation. Also, this is unsafe for your heart when the high dosage is taken through orally by mouth. It creates irregular heartbeats and even causes death. It is recommended for people to caution the use of caffeine products. Avoid using excessive caffeinated products as it can affect the heart rate.
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How Caffeine And Heart is Related [Effects]:
Following are the few findings and observation that took place recently to determine the effects of caffeine on the heart:
- Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects human mental health and body tiredness. However, one of the major side effects of taking directly or through caffeinated products can cause a rapid heartbeat and increase your heart rate.
- Additionally, it is also observed that caffeinated products can lead the person to an altered heartbeat. This alteration in heartbeat rhythm is called atrial fibrillation. Moreover, young people who consume energy drinks have been reported with atrial fibrillation i.e. alteration of heartbeat rhythm.
- One of the case studies explains the suicidal attempt of a woman due to the massive dosage of caffeine through powder and tablets. This massive dosage developed kidney failure, rapid heart rate, and other severe health issues in women.
- The effect on people having heart issues varies from one individual to another. Some people have a low impact of caffeine on their heart and can easily consume a large amount, whereas others have adverse effects and cannot take a cup of coffee on a daily basis. From a study, it was observed that limited heart failure patients consumed around 100 mg per hour for 5 hours and as an effect, their heart rate and rhythm stay normal.
Regardless of the outcomes gathered through mixed study in the past, it always preferred to notice each change that occurs in a person when consuming caffeine through powder or by mouth or any caffeinated drinks. Also, if the person finds slight changes in heartbeat, heart rate and rhythm then must consult a doctor and decrease the consumption.
Is caffeine bad for your heart?
Since caffeine is the most used natural stimulant used around the world and people of all ages preferred to consume this through different caffeinated products on a daily basis. Hence, from the past few years, the research has been performed to figure out the answer to this question “is caffeine bad for your heart? Or not?”
Though, some studies considered this as bad for your heart. According to them drinking coffee can increase the risk of cardiovascular events in a person. On the contrary, some studies are in favor of consuming caffeinated drinks and consider this as good for your heart. According to their statement of consuming caffeine can help the person in maintaining heart health and improve the functions of blood vessels.
Furthermore, the research has been performed on the regular use of coffee and aortic stiffness. According to this research drinking, a lot of coffee on a daily basis can lead a person to aortic stiffness. The aortic stiffness can be explained as when aorta the largest blood vessel in human that carries blood from your heart to all parts of the body become less flexible. The aortic stiffness can lead to a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
At the same time, other evidence has indicated that drinking more than three cups of coffee a day can protect against atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, preventing blood from flowing normally.
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Can Caffeine Cause Heart Arrhythmia?
When heartbeats are out of rhythm and sometimes a person misses a beat or beat twice in the same period that turns into a beat is generally termed as “Heart Arrhythmia”.
Hence, the caffeine has a stimulant that speeds up the cardiac rate so the doctors believe that this could be the cause dangerous for persons having heart sensitivity and can cause heart arrhythmias. Also, an increase in the heart rate can worsen the state of heart arrhythmia. Furthermore, doctors once avoid the consumption of the patient having heart arrhythmias. However, this prescription is outdated and now having slight moderate caffeine with heart arrhythmias can create no big trouble.
It can be a best practice for those with existing heart arrhythmias to stay cautious when consuming caffeine. One must understand the amount of caffeine consumed in caffeinated products daily.
During the recent study, it is found that there was no symptom of increasing heart rate and rhythm abnormalities while consuming regular caffeinated products when compared with the study group who didn’t consume any caffeinated food/beverage such as tea, chocolate, and coffee regularly.
According to the American Journal of Medicine, caffeine in moderation amounts can be safe. Additionally, people who have heart rhythm issues should not consume more than 200 mg/day.
Is it a good choice to take coffee after a heart attack?
According to the American Heart Association, the content can be induced in coffee. Moreover, coffee can be one of the great sources of antioxidants and substances that protect healthy cells from damage that could lead to various heart diseases.
According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, consuming 3 – 5 cups of coffee/day can eventually lower the risk of cardiovascular disease to 15% rather than those who don’t consume coffee.
Is it a good choice to take coffee after a Heart attack? The answer to this can be based upon your medical condition, doctor prescription and how your body responds to coffee. So pay attention to what your body says, listen to your doctor and communicate with your medical team.
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Caffeine and Heart – Frequently Asked Questions:
How many cups of coffee a day is OK?
Consuming 400 mg in a day is safe. This amount is equal to drinking 4-5 cups of coffee in a day.
How does caffeine cause arrhythmia?
Different stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can increase your heart rate. This rapid increase in the heartbeat can lead to the development of irregular heartbeat or heart arrhythmia.
Can energy drinks cause heart arrhythmia?
According to a report stated by the American Heart Association (AHA); drinking 8 ounces of typical energy drink can affect the blood flow, disturb the blood pressure and can cause severe heart arrhythmia.
How does caffeine affect the heart?
These are the few effects caused by the caffeine in the heart:
- It increases the intensity of contraction in the heart.
- It can directly affect the working of heart pumping
- Caffeine increases the heart rate
- The rapid increase in blood pressure
Should I stop drinking coffee if I have high blood pressure?
Coffee has a significant effect on your blood pressure. Even for a short time but this can increase the blood pressure. So if you have a blood pressure issue we suggest you to:
- Ask your doctor either you want to limit or emitting the consumption.
- Limit the amount of coffee intake up to 200 mg/day
- Don’t take caffeine or coffee right after hard exercise or any physical activity
