Chronic caffeine consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

From coffee to tea, caffeinated drinks are an essential part of everyone’s morning routine, but these popular beverages can be harmful when consumed in excess. According to a new study presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Asia 2024 in Delhi, India, drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine per day on most days of the week may increase your susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.

“Regular caffeine consumption can alter the parasympathetic system and increase blood pressure and heart rate,” said Nancy Kagatara, lead author of the study and a member of the department of internal medicine at Zydus Medical College and Hospital in Dahod, India.

“Our study aimed to determine the impact of chronic caffeine consumption on heart health, specifically on heart rhythm and blood pressure recovery,” he added.

Chronic caffeine consumption was defined as drinking any caffeinated beverage five days a week for more than one year. The study focused on tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

The authors examined a random sample of 92 healthy, normotensive individuals aged 18 to 45 years. All participants had their blood pressure and pulse measured and completed a three-minute step test. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured one and five minutes after the test. The authors recorded information on each participant’s sociodemographics and daily caffeine intake.

The results showed that 19.6 percent of participants consumed more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to about four cups of coffee, 10 cans of soda, or two energy drinks. Chronic caffeine consumption of 400 mg per day has been shown to significantly affect the autonomic nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure over time.

WOMEN CONSUMED MORE CAFFEINE

The researchers noted that the highest daily caffeine consumption was observed among female participants, those working in business and management positions and those living in urban areas.

Those who consumed the highest amounts of caffeine (chronic consumption of more than 600 mg of caffeine per day) had significantly elevated heart rate and blood pressure after five minutes of rest following the step test.

“Due to its effects on the autonomic nervous system, regular caffeine consumption may put healthy people at risk for hypertension and other cardiovascular problems,” Kagatara said, noting that “raising awareness of these risks is vital to improving everyone’s heart health.”

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Over time, hypertension weakens the heart and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

In addition to caffeine consumption, there are several factors that can contribute to hypertension, including alcohol consumption, smoking, age, family history, and salt intake. Increasing physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, and other lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.