Caffeine Sensitivity: Heart Palpitations and Anxiety

Drinking tea can cause palpitations and overall tension?

Hello, doctor.
I've been experiencing this for 2.3 years now.
Whenever I consume something with a higher caffeine content, like coffee or green tea, my nerves become very tense, my heart races, and I can't relax.
However, I've never had this issue throughout my life until now.
Could this be a neurological problem?

aafast, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/05/25

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology

Caffeine and tea-based beverages naturally have stimulating effects and can excite the nervous system, but individual sensitivity varies.
This is not indicative of a neurological issue; reducing intake or avoiding these beverages should suffice.
However, if one experiences increased heart rate or difficulty resting without consuming them, it may be necessary to investigate potential metabolic or other internal medical issues.

Reply Date: 2009/05/25

More Info

Caffeine sensitivity can indeed lead to a variety of physiological responses, including increased heart rate and feelings of anxiety. It seems that you have developed a heightened sensitivity to caffeine over the past couple of years, which is not uncommon. This can happen for several reasons, including changes in your body’s metabolism, alterations in your nervous system, or even psychological factors.

When you consume caffeine, it acts as a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. For individuals who are sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts can trigger symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, and restlessness. This is because caffeine blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation, leading to increased neuronal firing and the release of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This cascade can result in heightened alertness but can also provoke feelings of anxiety and physical symptoms like heart palpitations.

Your experience of feeling nervous and having an accelerated heart rate after consuming caffeine suggests that your body may be reacting more strongly to it than it did in the past. This could be due to several factors:
1. Changes in Tolerance: Over time, your body may have developed a lower tolerance to caffeine. This can happen due to various lifestyle changes, such as alterations in diet, sleep patterns, or stress levels.

2. Anxiety Disorders: If you have a predisposition to anxiety or have experienced increased stress, your body may react more sensitively to stimulants like caffeine. Anxiety can amplify the physical sensations associated with caffeine consumption, making you more aware of your heart rate and other physiological responses.

3. Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Changes in the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain can also affect how you respond to caffeine. For instance, if your serotonin or dopamine levels are low, caffeine might exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

4. Physical Health Changes: Any underlying health issues, such as thyroid problems or cardiovascular conditions, can also influence how your body reacts to caffeine.
Given your symptoms, it would be wise to consider reducing or eliminating caffeine from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. You might also want to explore other sources of anxiety or stress in your life that could be contributing to your heightened sensitivity.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help assess whether there are any underlying conditions that need to be addressed and provide guidance on managing your anxiety and caffeine sensitivity. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy may also be beneficial in helping you cope with anxiety and develop strategies to manage your sensitivity to caffeine.

In summary, your heightened sensitivity to caffeine could be related to changes in your nervous system, psychological factors, or even lifestyle changes. Monitoring your caffeine intake and consulting with a healthcare provider can help you better understand and manage your symptoms.

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