Caffeine and its effects on the heart: The lowdown

There is a perception within the public and many healthcare professionals that ingestion of caffeine may contribute to the development of heart rhythm disturbances and this leads to an almost universal recommendation in patients with heart palpitations to abstain from caffeine. In this blog, I wanted to explore the evidence or lack of to support this proposition.
Caffeine is a stimulant and is found in different concentrations in a variety of commercially available beverages including soda (coca-cola), green tea, black tea, coffee and energy drinks. To give you an idea of content, a 375mls can of coca cola contains 32mg of caffeine, a cup of green tea about 35mg of caffeine, a cup of coffee 95mg of caffeine, an espresso shot 106 mg of caffeine and some energy drinks contain up to 500mg of caffeine per can.
Caffeine has a half -life of 5.7 hours, and reaches maximum concentrations within 1 hour of consumption. It has nearly 100% bioavailability.
It has 4 main effects on the cardiovascular system. The first 2 can potentially increase its arrhythmic effects and the last 2 could possibly possibly represent antiarrhythmic effects.
It causes sympathetic activation - 250 mg of caffeine will increase norepinephrine and epinephrine by 75% and 207%. At very high doses, caffeine may be pro-arrhythmic. This has been shown in rat models where giving them very high amounts of caffeine actually resulted them in developing sinus tachycardia, ectopic and ventricular fibrillation.
It can increase the amount of calcium within the cells. Caffeine does increase the sinus rate by both sympathetic activation and increasing the intracellular levels of calcium.
It has an inhibitory effect on adenosine receptors - Adenosine can reduce atrial refractoriness and trigger atrial fibrillation during acute administration.
It is an anti-oxidant and has a higher level of antioxidant activity properties than black tea.

[@juannieto1987]

An honest doctor is priceless.

[@Longtack55]

A well-informed doctor is better. Some honestly haven't kept up with advances in knowledge.

[@patyaffe3660]

❤

[@johnprice8655]

I am 64 years old and have exercised with weights since my teens . I drink 2 cups of coffee every morning 6:00 am . Lately I have been having an additional 4 ounce cup of coffee before heavy weight resistance training . It gives me a boost in energy and maybe helps me focus better on the mind muscle connection. Like you mentioned many of the younger males use energy drinks with higher caffeine or sugar. They get red in the face and usually start to crash after their work out . Personal I think energy drinks should not be sold to anyone .

[@davidbb4053]

yes, youre right.

[@bettyvillegas9367]

I agree 100,%. My son went to the hospital due to the energy drinks with a heart rate 200. Doctor's had to give him heart's meds to bring it down doctor's told him if he continues to drink them he will have permanent damage.

[@jlvandat69]

I simply cannot believe how generous this man is. Incredibly bright and able to communicate sometimes complex information in a way that anyone can apply to everyday life. Thank you, Dr. Gupta.

[@AndrewHedlund100]

I agree Jeff what a blessing Dr Gupta is to all those who want to maintain or improve their heart health

[@Sunny-vv3gg]

Jeff V very well said👍🏻

[@elsagrace3893]

Plus he is very handsome.

[@Naallaa]

@@elsagrace3893 agreed.

[@Naallaa]

No amount caffeine drinks work for me, what does that say about me. I can drink espresso go to sleep 5min after drinking it doesn't have any effect on me. I drink coffee just For the test not for it's effects, I wish it works for me like others 😔

[@kvbo2564]

Who's having their morning cup o' coffee and watching this? ☕

[@annawinek560]

Coffee sends me instantly to "fight and flight", and gives me heart palpitations. As much as I love it I can't drink it.

[@fishtherapy100]

Anna Winek maybe it’s not the coffee. Maybe its because you are a female. Most of them are very mad.

[@jlvandat69]

@@fishtherapy100 Hey Fish......ever heard the term "projection" as used in Psychology? It's the tendency of most people to unconsciously "project" their own personality onto others. Your comment here provides an excellent example.

[@fishtherapy100]

Jeff V invalid. I’m not a women. White knights never get laid darling Jeff. 💋

[@johnnyflores1978]

I switched to decaf

[@dormandavis2767]

I’m afraid I’m heading that way ☹️

[@zombona890]

His clarity and sincerity is like a refreshing blast of fresh air. For once an expert (a REAL expert) who considers the message more important than himself. Thank you Doctor.

[@jackieann5494]

Zomboba Very well said. I completely agree with you .

[@apachetribeswearealive2313]

Lmao

[@corteltube]

Thank you so much Dr. for making these videos…I was diagnosed with PVC’s. I knew little about them, but that they were extremely uncomfortable. As I age I have them more often. Sometimes they are debilitating, mostly because of the fear of them…not so much anymore. I don’t get dizzy or anything, but they are so uncomfortable and disconcerting. I have gotten good at ignoring them, but I still hate them. Your videos are very soothing and comforting as my doctors in the past have been…let’s just say, not very useful or informative. I find that eating tiny meals and keeping fit is very useful, but I still get them and have come to the conclusion I will always have them. I have added magnesium ‘taurate” and that seems to keep the worst episodes at bay, unless I get extremely stressed for some reason. Again thanks so much for your time. My doc says it’s all in my head…may she experience these darned things. 😡 I am of the opinion ‘they will kill me or they won’t. Gonna live my life. 😊

[@myronachtman4304]

In the mid-1990s (at the age of 46), I had a serious problem with PSVT for about a year (sudden spontaneous onset of 185 bpm heart rate) because of caffeine (from Coke and tea, no coffee). When I stopped taking caffeine (cold turkey) the problem went away within 10 days and has never returned. I am 72.

[@ishumitamohan9464]

I’m so glad to hear this. I’m 27 and have this issue, getting 200bpm and I suspect that this happens to me because of coffee. I’ll also try stop drinking. Hopefully I’ll get better.

[@myronachtman4304]

@@ishumitamohan9464 My doctor told me that he had patients who said they'd give up their car keys before they'd give up coffee! If you're getting 200 bpm cardiac events, then I strongly urge you to cut out your caffeine intake. Try it and see whether it helps your situation.

[@ishumitamohan9464]

Yes absolutely, I’ll do that. Thank you so much for your reply.

[@thebrowns5337]

@@ishumitamohan9464 did it help?

[@cecilakloo8521]

@@myronachtman4304 Dr what about salt

[@srabchun]

Although I love coffee, I had to give it up for medical reasons. I’d only drink about two cups a day. But I would have never thought that after a month of no caffeine, I sleep better at night, and wake up in a good mood. I am able to stay more focused. And have continuous motivation all day. So instead of my body being dependent on caffeine for energy, then crashing when it’d wear off, my body does much better without it.

[@112deeps]

Most doctors recommend never to have caffeine drink after 6 pm as it can lead to sleep disturbances

[@ln1273]

I gave up caffeine this year and I seem to have a more even distribution of energy throughout the day also! If I do need the extra energy, say, an unusually busy day or a need to stay up all night for changing shifts at work, then I know having a soda will do the trick. I love the fact that I am not dependent on a substance that causes pain if I go without it!

[@Leatherbark]

That is good to hear Scott. I've been a coffee addict for probably 40 of my 64 years. I have had sleeping problems for the last 10 years even though I rarely drank coffee past 2 pm. Probably 8-10 cups a day. Yesterday I had 1 cup and several cups of tea (black and green) and a decaff coffee around 5 pm. I slept about the same time (around 3 hours straight through and around 3 more hours waking hourly. But I felt refreshed this morning at 4am. So far today I've had one cup of coffee and two cups of tea. I'll drink a decaf with supper and am already feeling more relaxed. I think I was also caffeine dependent.

[@112deeps]

@@ln1273, yes if you can do without caffeine for 2 days without any difficulty then you are not addicted to it. I also think if you have days without caffeine then caffeine will be more effective and you can use lower doses of beverage if required.

[@112deeps]

@paisleyyama, very true. Myself I can have caffeine and sleep well as long as its not over 50mg. I have delayed sleep phase syndrome so my need for caffeine is in morning and even strong coffee is sometimes not enough to kick start me. I try to stay below 500 MG caffeine if I really need it that is equal to 5 expresso. In fact I don't bother with coffee except socially and keep few hundred G of caffeine for use when really need it as found trying to get a coffee at time inconvenient. Try to go without any caffeine couple of days in week. No problem with moderation. My aunt is morning person and is similar to your mum with caffeine

[@Jay_Leka]

The best doctor in the world

[@johnstanton8499]

Xhemal Leka Yes The British NHS ethos in practise

[@chaosdweller]

@I like Potatoes true

[@JesusIsUnstoppable]

Wrong. Jesus of Nazareth is the good physician.

[@imuurme]

agree...love ALL his videos

[@davidw4812]

In glad he's not my doctor. Lots of inaccuracies in this video.

[@onekeypianoplayer]

a really sincere doctor...no bullshit..at all....straight to the point ,,, excellent talker to , so easy to understand. well done

[@thecalmwayhome8483]

I love him🦋

[@TheKentuckylady717]

Yes he's good but occasionally he get fast long winded and you may need to rewind it and listen again....I did once so far when he was talking on this video.....LOL but I don't mind.....

[@140klana]

I always felt uneasy after taking a cup of coffee and so I gave up years ago and it was the best thing I’ve ever done...

[@TheKentuckylady717]

Smart person.....haven't heard that coffee works any wonders for us.....at least if you don't add sugar you're better off....but I need my cream tho.....that's it.... matter of fact I haven't had coffee in two days, kinda forgot it until it was too late to drink it.....lol

[@Fourcatz]

For me, any caffeine makes me "aware" of my heart. Thank you for your videos!

[@andrewdaly21]

Same.

[@KishBish]

same omggg just two days ago, I felt my heart like it was right beneath my skin.. it was after having a few sips of a Dr Pepper.. never again!

[@walt2121]

I've noticed that if I been too cedentary for a long period of time, caffeine has an effect on my body, more like a jittery feeling. As soon as I start working out and eating healthy again, all goes away.

[@justinking2369]

Isn’t this anxiety which can be brought on by caffeine

[@tommurphy2332]

I agree 100% with what you say about caffeine. At age 35 I suffered an arrhythmia heart attack with rapid and irregular heart beat and spent a number of days in the Cardiac Care Unit of the hospital but when they released me to the regular patient care unit, they had tea as my only drink on my food tray which caused some pain to return, so I decided then and there to eliminate caffeine completely from my diet. I had also been experiencing severe arthritic symptoms and calcium deposits in my neck and feet which 95% disappeared on my "no caffeine" diet. I started taking copper capsules to relieve joint pain whenever it appears and this works well. I am now at age 77 and doing well without caffeine. Most doctors will not warn you about caffeine because its a reliable money-maker for them. Also, "decaf" has caffeine at a reduced level, so don't use it.

[@susiedicus47]

I just came upon this and am impressed by a doctor taking the time to REALLY explain in detail. I go to my new doctor who does not explain in detail much of anything. I think doctors today have no time to really listen and speak to us because they have so many patients to see, especially us older patients.

[@annieblake4199]

Moderation - a lesson for life! Apart from those energy drinks which are too freely available and too often used as a ‘prop’ . Thank you dr Sanjay for being there and sharing your vast and commonsensical knowledge

[@ElizabethGalarza1]

Haha, I like your phrase "everything in moderation including moderation itself" Thanks for the video!

[@mohammedhussein6985]

What is thebeifits of B12

[@bushmaster2936]

It's a very old saying made famous by Oscar Wilde and many others.

[@TheKentuckylady717]

That was great he comes up with some great one liners.....

[@mjt11860]

Thanks for the historical info. Whenever someone asks me if I have any kids, I tell them, not that I know of. I thought I invented that one. Turns out, a friend told me that her brother said that after he came back from Vietnam.

[@mjt11860]

Needed for red blood cell production, nerve health, and other things.

[@rockerz57]

Listening to you always helps me keep calm about my crazy heart! thanks for helping

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Magnesium and B vitamins within a multivitamin did me well.

[@olblu8746]

" very high levels of caffeine can be very dangerous for us" - very good statement!

[@Nadehj]

Coffee raises my BP, but seems to help my memory and focus.

[@112deeps]

That would be correct as it's also brain stimulant similar to ADHD medication

[@max_im_um]

DegeOnTap High blood pressure will do far more damage long term that whatever benefit you get from better focus. Get off it!

[@sash0047]

So does crack

[@carolbenson6524]

And one more thing...I so much appreciate your videos about the heart. I have a cardiologist whom I like too but you explain ALL heart issues...not just any problem I'm having.

[@stephw1363]

Wish i could sit down with a cup of coffee and this eloquent informative doctor. Mine is always in such a hurry i dont feel i can even communicate my issues before she has jumped to another topic or has to go. Makes us feel so uncared for even from a doc who i am sure wishes she had more time.

[@aliensoup2420]

Never drank coffee all my life, and tea occasionally. In my early 50's I started drinking a green tea smoothie purchased from a catering truck at work. Within 20 mins. I could feel my heart pounding. I didn't give it much consideration. I also started brewing iced green tea at home as a refreshment. I'm a recreational hiker and eventually I noticed a decline in my performance on the trail and at the gym lifting weights. At some point I had to stop on the trail for fear of passing out. On one steep trail I had been hiking easily for years, I thought I was literally going to pass out and die. I experienced similar respiratory effects while heavy lifting at the gym. I decided to stop drinking all tea. Within 2 weeks the symptoms disappeared. Just to confirm my suspicions I started drinking the green tea again, and the symptoms reappeared as before. Again after quitting the symptoms ceased. Now I avoid all tea and caffeinated drinks. I'm 62 and hiking the same trail with a 24 lb. backpack with less difficulty than ever before. My lap-swimming performance is better also.

[@DominickDecocko]

Alien Soup caffeine was a gateway drug to cocaine for me

[@bkucinschi]

Excellent description of symptoms.

[@JH-ns5xj]

Drug withdrawal is not good

[@stevel6903]

Love my coffee ☕️ only in the morning

[@acamaro5648]

I agree Exhemal. Very clear on his explanations. I followed Dr.Guptal's advice on giving magnesium a try for the PVC's I was suffering from. He even personally replied to a question I had. Bless his heart this worked for me ! Thank you Dr. Guptal.

[@CalvinBrockingtonArtistry]

I have to say, your style of delivering information is fantastic! Gets to the point, you actually make recommendations and you are easy to understand. Not to mention you seem to really understand the, " Human Condition."

[@electriceyeslide5959]

Sanjay is really brilliant for a reason 99/100 wouldn’t get, he understands that listening to your body trumps data that might be counter indicative to the research. I believe it comes down to some people have very sensitive systems and others do not. The body is an ecosystem and in some people the slightest disturbance can cause a significant imbalance and in others a major disturbance may cause only minimal symptoms.

[@dariusbrown3714]

Great comment, very true!

[@georgedonnellan36]

Wow. I'm 64, been drinking coffee for Aeons, and it tastes fantastic...I will continue drinking coffee till the end.

[@simcoe1000]

Great to see you posting again. A big thank you from Canada!

[@Joe-peace]

Thanks for the information. My arrhythmia has gone away since I started drinking green tea. Your studies have reinforced this point and I will continue with my routine. Peace my friend!

[@paintup46]

Over the years, I’ve noticed that when drinking an energy drink or a lot of coffee, I need to have something to do or anxiety gets to me and can’t sleep at night. Exercise, doing physical work, smoke a little pot beforehand, and I don’t have these issues, especially if I exercise daily. Staying inside or just sitting down while drinking caffeine really makes you uncomfortable.

[@trumanburbank6899]

Thank you Dr Gupta for another great video, and offering the common, but often ignored advice of moderation. And about how to view studies, as regards our health as individuals. You made me realize how foolish it would be to ignore the feeling that I'm being kicked in the heart from caffeine consumption, because some study said 'so and so'.

[@micheleberthelsen1900]

What timing on this video! I've been suffering with palpitations again and my doctor told me to give up caffeine.

[@Uenmeedits]

Eat a lot of veggies and take magnesium. It happened to me. it’s a horrible feeling. I do drink black and green tea.

[@chaosdweller]

I think I had this problem too (scary), I changed hobbies started doing more cardio lost some weight and it basically fixed itself.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Multivitamin with Magnesium and B vitamins in it. At least it works well for me.

[@keikiokeakua20]

Yes, magnesium is very good. I noticed that I would get palpitations every time I had food that contain MSG. I read labels and when I go to restaurants I ask if they use it in their cooking...I avoid it like the plague, I no longer have palpitations.

[@cristycastillo259]

Thank you for what you do!! You are the kind of doctor we all need

[@richards6346]

Thank You Dr. Gupta for sharing your research and knowledge.

[@edconway195]

YOU ARE VERY KIND TO GIVE YOUR HELP TO PEOPLE LIKE ME. YOUR TIME IS SO VALUABLE MOST DOC'S DON'T TELL US AS MUCH AT THE OFFICE. BLESS YOU DOCTOR.

[@sirkrutchbluesman3009]

I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY

[@slomo1357]

HE IS JUST FANTASTIC!!!

[@jimwilleford6140]

Dr.Gupta...As usual, thank you for the evaluation. A note pertaining to my personal,experience. About 10 years back, I was at the pharmacy picking up a prescription. I felt tired and purchased a small bottle, red and yellow at the register, and drank it. It was just an ounce or so. My drive home takes only about 15 minutes. Half way home I could tell heart was racing very face. I drove straight to the ER, where the doctors took me immediately, as I lay on the examination bed, hooked up to the machines, they alarms started going off. They were in delivering beta blockers, yet the alarms kept ringing, it was clear the team was quite concerned. Finally, the beta clockers kicked in and my blood pressure and pulse returned to near normal. I doubt this surprises you, but perhaps a caution to your readers. I appreciate your videos tremendously!

[@strugglingblessed6638]

I’m about to turn 40 and quit drinking alcohol over 2 years ago and I went to drinking coffee full time. I started to have uncomfortable tight chest pain 2 months ago so I switched to 1/2 decaf during the day and decaf at night. The uncomfortable pain has subsided almost completely. I’m grateful I switched! Thank you for this video and being so informed and so informative. I’m still praying my parents will do the switch...and I’ve already sent them this video. 🙌🏻

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Most folks don't have that issue with coffee.

[@rachellechery47]

Thank you, Dr. Gupta!

[@DrOrson]

Thank you, doctor, for that report. I will pass it along to patients as well as referring them to your site.

[@ArtByJodiBauter]

I love that you take the time to do these videos!! Very helpful!!😊

[@philipsadler6474]

Having watched this informative video concerning energy drinks which I consume regularly, I have decided to refrain from consuming them as I have a heart defect and also experience tachycardia.

[@arthurriggs998]

Another great video packed with useful and helpful information. Thank you for being so generous with your time and expertise.

[@RubinaMerchant]

Had a heart attack a month ago and your videos are super useful. I have one sachet of nesquik cappuccino coffee in the morning and no food till afternoon which makes me feel real good. Every one told me caffeine was bad and I should stop even that one cup, but my body knows better. Thanks for the science behind it!

[@Victorgreat4]

dont understand is caffeine bad or good? I drink sugar free nrj drinks am i good?

[@UncleBaldy]

As usual Clear consice & very informative 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. Thank you & God bless you Sanjay..

[@keatsgipsy9991]

Love your explanations, thank you for sharing so much of your time educating it is so appreciated

[@dis2art]

I love drinking green tea plain, no milk or sugar and at 72 feel great with no heart trouble todate. Your information is so appropriate.

[@thereseseery2864]

Thank you God for guiding me here.God bless each and every one of you.

[@damienbell3155]

Thank you for all you provide us in all these videos Dr. We all appreciate it beyond anything, it’s helping us with our Afib and other topics.

[@levis6945]

He is telling the truth I spent 2 days in the hospital 🏥 after drinking a cup of coffee and a energy drink suffering from heart problems never again will I drink any more coffee ☕.

[@sonu5712]

Exactly same thing happened to me. Spent huge amount of money in hospital to get relief. Because of hot weather i drank about a litre of coke and then awful palpitations started which led me to ER.

[@georgeking2369]

What a load of bloody crap

[@annele43]

Thank you Dr.Gupta. Best cardiologist! :)

[@smithjacquie]

Always really appreciate his talks he is very patient and very kind. The doctors knowledge is so appreciated as well. Oh yes he seems like a nice guy too.

[@scott2724]

Followed you for a long time and you’ve replied to me a few time’s. Wonderful to see your channel really starting to grow and your daily views really trending upwards

[@doublell4659]

Started to have afib problems in March.. third incident last week. I am learning SOOO much watching your videos - selectively as they pertain to me. Thank you, Doctor! What a profound service you are delivering. Maryland, USA

[@echase416]

If you’ve been diagnosed with Afib please get a sleep apnoea test. He has a video about how sleep apnoea can trigger Afib. ❤️

[@doublell4659]

@@echase416 had an ablation on 2/1/22.. fit as a fiddle.. no more meds for arythmia.

[@authenticallyamber99]

Excellent explanation of the effects of caffeine! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@BoredSilly666]

Thank you for this. I have suffered two Cardiac Arrests over the past 10 years ( 36 years old and at 46 years old) due to Heart Rhythm Disturbances and asked my GP about this and asked about Coffee a few times at my out patients appointments. No one really gave me any advice on it. I was drinking a lot of Coffee leading up to my last Arrest about 2 years ago. I hadnt drunk Coffee for over 15 years , got back into in and seemed to be drinking far to much at the time now I look back. Thanks Again. I now have a Defrib fitted and a weaker heart so will be stopping the Caffine right away.

[@SavedBySweetGrace]

Best Cardiologist we know. Thank you for taking the time to educate us!

[@AbhishekGupta-pn5pm]

I am glad to hear you sir..u are great human being. As I am 28 and having palpitation, breathlessness previously ..thought of its may be cardio related ..I was quite tensed..than after watching u I came to know that it's not due to cardio reason..its an anxiety induced symptoms..it got me clear a lot. Now I can manage myself in my anxiety aura ..through a good life style , pranayam and meditation.. thanks a lot sir..love from India.. ❤

[@remediosreboja1837]

Thank you so much for the information, Doctor Sanjay! I used to drink a lot of coffee for my PMS but I stopped when I had problem sleeping. Sometimes I drink coffee in moderation and drink tea too . My body loves water better.

[@normanswazo8586]

I follow your videos regularly. I appreciate all the information. This is the first video of yours that I've seen that has been edited throughout rather than the usual continuous presentation. I prefer the latter.

[@weston.weston]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us, the general public, Dr. Gupta.

[@ellea.8768]

Excellent video as always, Dr. Gupta! Please make a video on heart rhythm disturbances due to cannabis use, in particular THC. I've met a few patients during clinical rotations who report consistent bouts of heart rhythm disturbances after smoking/eating cannabis, and who swear that it wasn't mere "anxiety" that caused these symptoms.

[@jancovorster8154]

Very balanced, informative and to the point message. As always! Thank you. With my AFIB I can drink coffee, not too strong, but have found that Rooibos Tea is the best thing for my heart. I never put my mouth to any kind of energy drink, but once during a training cycle ride long ago I drank a caffeine-laden energy drink and the next day I was in AFIB. Learned my lesson.

[@YorkCardiology]

thank you!!!!

[@joyceelmer131]

Thank you for all that you do for us!💕

[@olivia6063]

Thank you, yet another great video. I tried an energy drink 10 years ago when my car broke down in the middle of nowhere. It was 01.15 at night, dark, only me, my car and the forrest. I had worked for 14 hours and was tired. So I sat there found the energy drink and drank it. Almost jumped trough the roof in my old car. It was horrible. I used to drink 5-6 cyps of coffee with almond milk. Can't have it anymore. My heart rate goes from 75-80 to 100. I never liked tea, so I don't have that either. Sipping on warm almond milk with fresh ginger and cinnamon while watching this. Miss my coffee though.

[@leilanamoreno9910]

olivia Whole Foods sells a product called Kaffree instant “coffee” , it’s amazing tastes like coffee and I love it they also sell another ground brand called Ticca something and it’s ground chicory that comes in regular or vanilla or hazelnut flavored and u brew them in ur coffee pot.. even better than the instant one! Point is they are 100% caffeine free and are fantastic substitutes and now I don’t feel like I’m missing out! Good luck hope u give them a try and they are not too terribly expensive

[@olivia6063]

@@leilanamoreno9910 Thank you! I live in Sweden. Have to check if they have something similar here. The products you mention sounds lovely.

[@alejandroescarcega9288]

Leilana Moreno what about just caffeine free coffee?

[@garrettmineo]

I love your videos. I have AFIB and I really like coffee. I found that I can have my coffee if I avoid alcohol. I exercise, take magnesium Glycinate and an electrolyte mixture that has no extra sodium (I get plenty of that elsewhere) and try to avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates. I try to eat plenty broccoli, cauliflower , asparagus, spinach and other green vegs. I have an implanted loop recorder, but I find more value in my Apple Watch (with ECG) since I can get results in real time and notice how my life style impacts AFib. When I first was diagnosed with AFib I gave up coffee and went through typical withdrawal symptoms like headaches and sort of brain fog. When I added coffee back, I was more alert and felt more motivated to exercise. It took me a while to figure out a workable life style and I suppose that everyone is different, but if you have AFib, I suggest you try some modifications of your life style “variables” including adding back coffee, (or taking it away if you are still on it) to see if you can find your triggers. Another thing I didn’t mention earlier, and it is probably the toughest variable to control, is stress. I know that this is a trigger for me, mostly from work related issues. When I was younger and “indestructible” I used to thrive on stress, but as an older (slightly) wiser person, I can see how stress affects my health. My corrective action was retirement, unfortunately this is not an option for many, so you will have to find other ways to reduce stress, like breathing exercises, prayer, long walks in nature, picking out better friends. Finally, you do need to have a good arrhythmia doctor who doesn’t want to do ablation until you at least try take control of your life style to see if that can fix your afib.

[@acjohn6995]

Fantastic tips. We are constantly in the "on" position due to social media/TV stress, always triggering our adrenaline response, it seems to lead to an increase in perceived heart problems that end up being anxiety. I feel the same way about coffee, definitely hurts my calming abilities, but helps with motivation and workouts.

[@mjt11860]

You should never depend on drugs to motivate you or give you false energy. A whole foods diet and plenty of good quality sleep is where real energy comes from.

[@TracyDavis904]

Drinking a lot of caffeine day after day builds up and seriously increases my anxiety. It’s hard to not build a habit with drinking every day but every other day.

[@BronzeAgeSwords]

your films are gold dust thank you ! love your energy

[@joycefoltz1122]

You explain health issues so simply that it is very easy to understand and follow the information. You channel is helping a lot of people and God bless you for it.I'm so happy I found your videos and can learn about these heart issues.Have a super day😁

[@stevelanghorn1407]

Another extremely useful, clear & reassuring video. Thankyou for all the time you continue to give. Your efforts are truly life enhancing.

[@rossdev]

Thanks for another great video Dr Gupta, I have watched many of them and they are very reassuring. I've had a long lasting run of ectopics for the last three weeks and my Doctor told me to quit caffeine. Funny thing is I have been drinking 3 cups of coffee a day for years on end with no ill effects. The only triggers I'm aware of that seems to make my ectopics worse is tiredness and generally worrying more about them. I wouldn't touch any of those energy drinks with a barge pole!

[@RajKumar-vy7oo]

Dr Gupta! You have such a simple beautiful way of presenting health related information. Thanks.

[@christopherrubio8047]

I would love to see a video on not only energy drinks but fitness pre workouts. All these videos are beautiful and amazing! So appreciated!

[@jasonjones2239]

Amazing the info you share with us! Thank You

[@hmooney8552]

I have SVT w/leaky heart valve. Have suffered with SVT for a long time but was always told that it was anxiety at routine Dr visits. This year I had an emergency room visit that recommended a visit to cardiologist. Then diagnosed. I quit coffee immediately and felt relief but I would also like to put some blame on birth control pills that I was taking for horrific CRAMPS ONLY. I would like to see more studies on hormone pills because they made me feel like an outta control wreck starting with my ❤️. I'm completely confident in telling someone to be careful of caffeine AND hormone pills. ⚡ I feel much better after almost completely eliminating caffeine, stopping hormone pills, and also changing job companies that reduced stress Tremendously as a result. I still have heart flutters daily but not all day long. Hope this helps someone who's considering changes. ✌🏼

[@marinelaalexe2696]

I use to have heart flattering too, got rid of them with CoQ10

[@hmooney8552]

@@marinelaalexe2696 thanks I'll get some at the store once day and try. I've heard it's good for you

[@marylynch951]

Hello Doctor I have only come across your videos few weeks ago And I am so glad I have I love your honesty and explaining things for the lay person to understand Thank you so much God bless you always

[@MrFutbol007]

Always great information. Bless you doc. Thank you for your consistent distribution of important health information.

[@enemchukwunonso4299]

I drink two cups of coffee a day. I never notice any difference with my heart beat. Instead, coffee drives away my headaches.

[@mjf3570]

Enemchukwu Nonso I've had that experience with headaches too. Not sure if it's the heat and steam or that it increases fluid movement to loosen the sinuses. I drink hot chocolate but doesn't quite have the same effect.

[@enemchukwunonso4299]

@@mjf3570 chocolate is not coffee. The secret is the caffeine. Not even the hot liquid.

[@nrosko]

I would say that could be caffeine withdrawal.

[@bo8504]

@@nrosko Haha IKR, 'takes away my headache' = addiction.

[@kahlevmusic]

@@nrosko Yes, I had the same experience. Ingesting caffeine, thinking its giving you a crutch or a relief, is really just temporarily relieving your withdrawal symptoms. A temporary fix to a real problem that is probably just making your "headaches" worse over time.

[@aidal.arnaldy4726]

As always,your insight into these health issues is so valuable. The key is MODERATION with coffee and tea. Energy drinks should be banned! Thank you,doctor.

[@alfalders3020]

I value and appreciate your words very dearly. Thank you so very much 🙏🏼👍❤️

[@Uputz]

I always watch your videos when i feel unsure about something.

[@sunshinegirl1967]

Sooo, I saw a cardiologist this morning and told him the symptoms I've been having. He told me to give up caffeine! Why can't you be my cardiologist????? This guy didn't even act like he cared.

[@jannalee2036]

So many of them really know so little...

[@hotmixxable]

@@jannalee2036 Say it again and LOUDER

[@heatherann4390]

I drink black coffee when i have an asthma attack because it is a natural bronchodialator. It helps alot. I have to use black coffee because i dont like inhalers which are actually worse for you.

[@mishca5116]

Glad I saw this video … I had already established that, for me, coffee triggers my AFIB but I didn't realise how much caffeine is in energy drinks. I don't drink energy drinks but thanks to you doctor, I will make sure my teenage sons know they should continue to avoid them! They sound quite dangerous given a typical drink could contain 500 mg of caffeine! That's like downing 5 espressos at one time - not something most people would consider. Thank you!

[@tarnos4153]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@lindabrodney4958]

Thank you so much Dr. Gupta. I suspected this after getting my Apple Watch and tracking my BPM. I was drinking only green or black tea with no sugar but had BPM was up to 137-141 mostly in the morning. I eliminated it and it has helped substantially. I miss the help getting started in the morning but I hated the feeling of a racing heart and shortness of breath. Thanks again for help on these cardiac issues. Much appreciated.

[@judithhopes151]

I do not get any ,,buzz ,, from drinking coffee, or any sense of energy,, why is that..☆.

[@gloriamaryhaywood2217]

@@judithhopes151 It could be that your adrenal glands are exhausted. Or maybe certain medications you are taking?🤔

[@Arin.-.]

@@judithhopes151 tolerance builds over time

[@mandyvanzanen]

@@judithhopes151 I have adhd and it slows me down and puts me to sleep :)

[@dirtforce0897]

Yes well done, nice discussion, smart guy

[@jackyotes3189]

Bravo! One of the very few knowledgeable cardiologists not educated on old myths

[@barbehrhart]

Just found your videos a few days ago after an EKG showed many PVCs. I stopped coffee a week before my appointment and I am still having them. I miss sipping on my coffee in the morning! Thank you for this information I feel better informed for my cardiology appointment in a few weeks.

[@keikiokeakua20]

Dr . Gupta, I want to tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I have a question. Is a BP between 140/88 and 160/90 (sometimes lower) under medication something to be concerned about? I also would like your opinion on this. A few years ago I went to see a Dr about my BP and when she took my BP, her eyes almost bugged out! She wanted to call 911 to send me to the ER, my BP was 210/112 (on meds) She was surprised that I was not having any symptoms, no headaches, fast pulse, dizziness or anything. I was surprised that my BP was that high as I felt fine. Although I would often experience skipped heartbeats or fast heartrate whenever I would check my BP and pulse. She gave me medication and instructions on what to do if I felt anything...to go to the ER. I did a 9 day cleanse, and got rid of lots of inflammation, my BP has never been that high since. Now I notice that when I get inflammation my BP goes up, my joints hurt, brain fog and so many other things that go on...So, I was wondering if you believe that inflammation could be the culprit behind high BP?

[@user-xy4ff5yp7b]

The increase in adrenaline from caffeine makes complete sense to me. If I take any caffeine, it makes my essential tremor worse and gives me anxiety. I take a small dose of propranolol each day which makes me feel really calm and I guess caffeine would have an opposite action to that.

[@selahchunem8447]

Isn't propranolol one of the drugs Michael Jackson overdosed on? Every thing in moderation.

[@mianwaliagricultureofficia335]

Yes you are right, everyone should look for their own trigers. The information provided is very useful. Thanks

[@TheRockMorton]

I appreciate your talk about caffeine. Very interesting and thorough. Keep up the good work..

[@FrankMerton]

I think the reported problems more than likely come not from the caffeine but from the sugar many people put in it. I find several cups of black coffee very helpful when drunk before noon (later it causes sleep problems) and it helps my emotions (I'm happier, more patient, etc.) and seems to have no effect on my blood pressure.

[@sw6118]

I think that after this video came out scientists determined that there were two types of caffeine metabolizers: fast and slow. Slow metabolizers had caffeine available in their systems longer (hours) to stimulate adverse effects. Fast metabolizers (an hour) had less exposure to caffeine’s stimulating effects.

[@Stardust_Truth_Seeker]

Thank you so much for all your wonderful contribution to society and all these people who fall you are so grateful for everything you do. You are really a blessing in so many people's lives. God bless you always ❤

[@ningdepakakibo4202]

09 16 21 Thank Dr Sanjay. I love Coffee but I’m trying to drink 2 to 3 times a week to avoid side effects on my health. I’m a Senior Citizen so I need to take care of my health and my husband too. Stay healthy always, we need more of you.

[@veraberkeley2864]

Very informative, thank you so much. However my heart would feel even better if I could see the beautiful Ms. Bluebell Gupta , sooo cute.

[@emdoubleu5878]

A treasure to find you Dr Gupta. Such a genius man. Thank you soooo much, sooo generous in sharing your knowledge. We're learning ssooo much

[@YorkCardiology]

So nice of you

[@emdoubleu5878]

Truly blessed to find you, I don't always subscribed, I did because you give sooo of your knowledge without hesitation. You are treasured by sooo much more. The bless your mind, bless your hands, bless your eyes and everything about you. Thank you sooo much Dr.

[@ehinspections]

Thank you for sharing! I have been drinking Coffee since I was six month olds, which explains why I was so energetic when I was younger. I now drink 12Oz in the morning and 12Oz in the afternoon and it never bothers me, and I feel great! Great videos, thank you!

[@robm2707]

Thank you 🙏 for another great video 👍