Does Too Much Coffee Make Your Heart Race?

Many people wonder if excessive coffee consumption can lead to a racing heart. However, a study conducted in 2018 suggests that moderate coffee intake may actually have beneficial effects. Specifically, drinking coffee in moderation could contribute to lower blood pressure. Let’s explore the relationship between coffee and blood pressure in more detail.

Coffee Under the Microscope

As coffee consumption has risen over the years, numerous studies have associated moderate coffee drinking (3-5 cups daily) with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Conversely, heavy coffee drinkers (those consuming more than 5 cups per day) face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular issues compared to non-coffee consumers. Prolonged high blood pressure, a common cause of cardiovascular disease, can damage blood vessels over time.

Chlorogenic Acids May Hold the Key

Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) are compounds found in coffee that are believed to contribute to its cardiovascular benefits. While researchers are still investigating the precise relationship between coffee and blood pressure, a study by experts at the University of Western Australia aimed to examine the impact of coffee consumption and CGAs on heart health.

In this study, conducted from April to November 2018, twenty-one healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three different doses of decaffeinated green coffee extract (providing varying amounts of CGAs) or a placebo. Participants followed a strict diet low in CGAs and avoided coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, and whole-grain cereal one day before the study.

Coffee Under Pressure

The researchers collected blood samples from participants in a fasted state and assessed blood vessel function by measuring changes in the diameter of the brachial artery using flow-mediated dilation (FMD). This technique employs ultrasound to evaluate how blood vessel walls react to increased blood flow. Measurements were taken before and 24 hours after participants consumed their assigned drinks.

Results indicated a correlation between increasing doses of CGAs from coffee and improved blood vessel function. Blood tests revealed changes in CGA levels following different doses of coffee, and various circulating CGA metabolites were identified. FMD measurements indicated that consuming 1-2 cups of coffee was most effective in enhancing blood vessel function.

Coffee Component Keeps Blood Pressure in the Safe Zone

This research suggests that CGAs from coffee may help maintain blood pressure within a healthy range, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Future studies are needed to determine optimal coffee intake levels and whether lower doses can also yield similar benefits. A limitation of this study was the uneven gender distribution among participants, with 16 males and only 5 females. Future research should include more female subjects to better understand the effects of coffee on blood pressure.

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References

Naylor, L. H., Zimmermann, D., Guitard-Uldry, M., Poquet, L., Lévêques, A., Eriksen, B., . . . Actis-Goretta, L. (2020). Acute dose-response effect of coffee-derived chlorogenic acids on the human vasculature in healthy volunteers: A randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqaa312