Caffeine

Does anyone know if caffeine is bad for your heart? I drink 1-2 cups per day and feel pretty good. (I have a 2nd degree heart block and have a PM which was implanted 2 years ago).

5 Comments

CAFFINE & THE HEART

by J.B. - 2013-04-01 03:04:22

FROM WEB MD

Research Suggests Caffeine Elevates Blood Pressure, Stress

Even more troubling, the researchers concluded that the equivalent of four cups of coffee raises blood pressure for many hours. Although the increases appear modest, they are large enough to affect heart attack and stroke risk, says lead author James D. Lane, PhD. The findings were reported in the July/August issue of the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.

"The level of blood pressure change we saw has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease," Lane tells WebMD. "People consuming typical amounts of coffee and caffeinated soft drinks are probably raising their blood pressure by an amount equal to the beneficial reduction seen with antihypertensive drugs. So if you are taking blood pressure medication, it may not be doing you any good if you are drinking three or four cups of coffee a day."

Caffeine is consumed daily by an estimated 85% of adults in the U.S. in the form of coffee, tea, and sodas. The average daily number of cups per coffee drinker is 3.3, and 64% of all coffee is consumed at breakfast.

To determine the impact of caffeine consumption during the morning and early afternoon, Lane and colleagues recruited 47 daily coffee drinkers for a two-day study. Half of the subjects were given caffeine capsules on the first day and the other half were given placebo pills. On the second study day, the two groups were switched; the previous day's placebo group got the caffeine and the caffeine group got the placebo.

The total caffeine given equaled that found in four cups of coffee, and the capsules were consumed in the morning and at lunchtime. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured repeatedly on both days using a portable monitor, and stress hormone levels were monitored through urine samples.

When caffeine and placebo days were compared, the researchers found blood pressure to be consistently higher on the caffeine days -- an average of 4 millimeters (mm) higher for systolic pressure and 3 mm for diastolic. Stress hormone levels also rose by an average of 32% on the caffeine days, and both the blood pressure and adrenaline increase lasted throughout the day and into the evening.

Teecino Coffee

by Nicole33 - 2013-04-01 08:04:04

Hi. I have an ICD with a long history of heart disease/complications. I was strongly warned against ANY caffeine because it can stimulate my heart and once that happens it can turn ugly.
So, I love coffee (the taste of it) and did a little research. Teecino coffee is what I drink. It is made out of Roma nuts instead of coffee beans but believe me when I tell you it tastes just like coffee. It is a wonderful alternative. Just wanted to put that option out there for you!

Nicole33

caffeine

by franko1966 - 2013-04-02 08:04:05

no,my doctors did study,on caffeine,and he told me it does not raise your heart rate,

caffeine

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-02 12:04:44

You can find a study to support whichever side you want to argue. I figure it's probably not that good for me but anything is ok in moderation. I am particularly sensitive to caffeine, more than a cup and my heart rate takes off so I limit myself to one a day.

The two biggest downsides to caffeine are not directly cardiac. One, it dehydrates so drink extra water to compensate for every cup you drink. Second, it prevents the bones from absorbing the calcium we eat.

Caffeine is a pain reliever and I've seen studies recommending a small amount after working out. It helps pain relievers work faster so is used with migraines.

Moderation. If you enjoy 2 cups a day and feel good, don't worry about it.

Caffeine?

by GoldenGirl - 2016-06-01 10:06:16

When I was first diagnosed with atrial fibrillation I was advised to stop all caffeine since at that time (11 years ago) they thought it could contribute to irregular heart beats.

Since that time research studies (on Medscape if you are looking for an article) have shown moderate amounts of caffeine don't cause irregular heart rhythms. Or at least that was the thinking after other studies showed more atrial fib in people who didn't use caffeine.

I think it proves we are all different and what harms you might actually benefit another person.

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