Caffeine Not Linked to Life-Threatening Heart Rhythms, Study

A new study challenges past research on the link between too much caffeine and heart disease. In fact, the new research suggests that caffeine may actually shield the heart from abnormal heart rhythms aka atrial fibrillation.

Citing multiple animal studies, researchers recommend up to 300 g of caffeine per day or about three cups of coffee. Study authors don’t recommend getting your daily dose of caffeine from energy drinks.

Unlike coffee and green tea, energy drinks are not that safe, scientists warn. Past studies have linked the drinks to higher risk of blood clots and life-threatening heart rhythms. What’s more, energy drinks contain ingredients like ginseng, guarana, and added sugar which put caffeine on steroids. This is why energy drinks can have harmful side effects like abnormal heart rhythms.

However, caffeine in coffee and tea seems to be safe, the latest study implies. Researchers found that it may play a protective role for the heart.

Scientists Divided over Caffeine

Past studies, however, have found that too much caffeine can be harmful to the heart’s electrical system. So, since caffeine has multiple health benefits as well, researchers are divided over how much of it is safe. Caffeine advocates also insist that the stimulant can boost the brain function and act as a powerful antioxidant, which slows down cell aging processes.

On the other hand, 8 in 10 U.S. doctors bar their patients with abnormal heart rhythms from consuming caffeinated beverages including coffee. Medics are concerned that caffeine may up the heart rate of their vulnerable patients and push them into risky heart rhythms.

The latest study underlines that many of those recommendations do not have a scientific basis. Doctors usually base their advice on assumptions on how caffeine may influence the body.

Authors of the latest research sifted through multiple studies and found no association between caffeine and abnormal heart rhythms. Their research was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Anne-Marie Jackson

Anna grew up on a steady diet of 20th century literature, science-fiction movies and Viking lore. Unsurprisingly she turned into a technology geek with an inclination for history & fantasy.