Palpitations: Is Coffee the Culprit?

Palpitations caused by drinking coffee?

Hello Dr.
Wu, I would like to ask about my coffee consumption.
I usually drink coffee 3 to 5 times a week (mostly during workdays, and I typically have drip coffee or a medium latte from convenience stores).
If my palpitations are caused by coffee, will stopping coffee lead to a quick resolution, or does it take several days to resolve? I ask this because for the past four years, I have experienced heart discomfort for 1 to 2 months each year, usually occurring in one or two months between June and December.
The symptoms vary each time (the common symptom is palpitations, while non-common symptoms, which do not occur every year, include chest tightness, shortness of breath, a feeling of pressure in the heart, elevated heart rate (over 100 beats per minute even at rest), and waking up easily during sleep).
I suspect that coffee might be the cause, but stopping coffee does not lead to immediate improvement; it usually takes more than 1 to 2 weeks to return to normal.
The last time I consulted a cardiologist was two years ago, and the examination showed no significant abnormalities (blood tests and echocardiogram), only mitral valve prolapse was detected.
I hope you can provide some advice.
Thank you.

Wayne, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/08

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

Many factors in daily life can contribute to this condition, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages.
It is recommended to adjust your daily routine, engage in regular exercise, and avoid caffeine intake.
However, if symptoms persist, it is advisable to visit a hospital for a 24-hour Holter monitor test.

Reply Date: 2023/10/08

More Info

Palpitations can be a concerning symptom, and it's understandable that you're trying to identify potential triggers, such as coffee consumption. Caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, is a known stimulant that can affect the heart and lead to palpitations in some individuals. Your experience of having palpitations, especially if they occur consistently during certain months of the year, raises important questions about the relationship between your coffee intake and your symptoms.

Firstly, it's important to note that caffeine can indeed cause palpitations. For some people, even moderate amounts of caffeine can lead to increased heart rate and feelings of anxiety or nervousness, which can manifest as palpitations. The frequency and severity of these symptoms can vary widely among individuals. In your case, consuming 3 to 5 cups of coffee per week may not seem excessive, but individual tolerance to caffeine can differ significantly.

If your palpitations are indeed related to coffee consumption, you might notice that reducing or eliminating caffeine could lead to an improvement in your symptoms. However, the timeline for this improvement can vary. Some individuals may experience relief within a few days of stopping caffeine, while others might take a week or two to notice a significant change. This variability can depend on several factors, including your overall caffeine consumption, how long you've been consuming caffeine regularly, and your body's individual response to caffeine withdrawal.

In your situation, since you mentioned that stopping coffee does not lead to immediate relief, it might suggest that other factors could also be contributing to your palpitations. The symptoms you described—such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and elevated heart rate—could be related to anxiety, stress, or other underlying health issues, including the mitral valve prolapse you mentioned. Mitral valve prolapse can sometimes be associated with palpitations and other symptoms, so it’s essential to keep this in mind.

Given that you have a history of heart-related symptoms and have previously undergone evaluations without significant findings, it may be beneficial to consult with a cardiologist again, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. They may recommend further testing, such as a Holter monitor, which can track your heart rhythm over a 24-hour period, or an exercise stress test to evaluate how your heart responds to physical activity.

In addition to monitoring your caffeine intake, consider other lifestyle factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Stress management techniques, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can all play a role in heart health. If you suspect that anxiety might be a factor, cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness practices could also be beneficial.

In summary, while coffee can be a trigger for palpitations in some individuals, the relationship is not straightforward and can vary from person to person. If you suspect that coffee is contributing to your symptoms, try reducing your intake and observe any changes. However, given your history of heart symptoms, it is advisable to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions and to receive personalized advice tailored to your health needs.

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