Chronic high caffeine consumption may increase the risk of heart disease

Too much coffee can be a heart latte to deal with, with a new study linking over 400 milligrams of caffeine a day to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease even in otherwise healthy people.

“Regular caffeine consumption can disturb the parasympathetic system, leading to increased blood pressure and heart rate,” explained lead study author Nancy Kagathara, from Zydus Medical College and Hospital in Dahod, India.

Kagathara’s team measured the blood pressure and heart rate of 92 healthy adults after they performed a three-minute step test. Participants were 18 to 45 years old with normal blood pressure at the start of the experiments.

Nearly 20% of participants consumed more than 400 mg of caffeine each day, which is equivalent to about four cups of coffee, 10 cans of soda or two energy drinks.

Chronic daily consumption of 400 mg was found to increase heart rate and blood pressure over time. The study findings were presented Thursday at the American College of Cardiology conference in Delhi, India.

The US Food and Drug Administration has said that 400 mg of caffeine per day “is not generally associated with dangerous or adverse effects,” while acknowledging that some people are more sensitive to caffeine and it can be metabolized at different rates.

The Mayo Clinic says up to 400 mg of caffeine “appears to be safe for most healthy adults.”

Caffeine is a stimulant that can stimulate the production of the stress hormones noradrenaline and epinephrine, increasing heart rate and raising blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

But it has also been found to elevate mood and possibly lower the risk of certain types of cancer, among other benefits.

Kagathara reported that urban women in business and management roles had the highest daily caffeine consumption in her study.

Those who consumed more than 600 mg of caffeine per day had significantly increased heart rate and blood pressure after five minutes of rest after the step test.

“Due to its effect on the autonomic nervous system, regular caffeine consumption can put otherwise healthy individuals at risk for hypertension and other cardiovascular events,” Kagathara said. “Raising awareness of these risks is vital to improving heart health for everyone.”

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure, a condition associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and dementia.

Experts suggest that you exercise regularly and follow a nutritious diet to lower your blood pressure. Medicines may be prescribed if weight loss, diet changes and exercise are unsuccessful.