From coffee to tea, caffeinated beverages are a staple of morning routines around the world, but these popular drinks can be harmful when consumed in excess. Consuming over 400 mg of caffeine per day on most days of the week may increase the susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy individuals, according to a new study being presented at ACC Asia 2024 in Delhi, India.
Regular caffeine consumption can disrupt the parasympathetic system and lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. The aim of our study was to determine the effects of chronic caffeine consumption on heart health, particularly on the recovery of heart rate and blood pressure.”
Nency Kagathara, MBBS, lead author, Department of Internal Medicine, Zydus Medical College and Hospital, Dahod, India
Chronic caffeine consumption was defined as the consumption of caffeinated beverages five days per week for more than one year. The study focused on tea, coffee, and carbonated beverages such as Coke, Pepsi, Redbull, Sting, and Monster. The authors studied a randomized group of 92 normotensive and healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 45. All participants had their blood pressure and pulse measured and underwent a three-minute step test. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured one minute and five minutes after the test. The authors recorded information on each participant’s sociodemographic data and daily caffeine intake.
The results showed that 19.6% of participants consumed more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, which is equivalent to about four cups of coffee, 10 cans of soda, or two energy drinks. Chronic caffeine consumption of 400 mg daily was shown to have significant effects on the autonomic nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure over time.
According to the researchers, the highest daily caffeine intake was observed among participants who were female, employed in business or management positions, and lived in urban areas.
Those who consumed the highest amounts, i.e. chronic caffeine consumption of more than 600 mg of caffeine per day, had significantly increased heart rate and blood pressure after five minutes of rest following the step test
“Due to its effects on the autonomic nervous system, regular consumption of caffeine may increase the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases in otherwise healthy individuals,” Kagathara said. “To improve everyone’s heart health, it is important to raise awareness of these risks.”
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia. Hypertension weakens your heart over time and is a major risk factor for heart disease. In addition to caffeine intake, there are several factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, age, family medical history and salt consumption. Increasing physical activity, eating a nutritious diet and other lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Source:
American College of Cardiology
