There is, in fact, a direct connection between caffeine and palpitations of the heart. When palpitations occur, it may feel as if the heart is racing for a few seconds, or as if it skips a beat or starts fluttering. This usually passes in a few moments, though many people will experience it throughout the day if they continue to consume a great deal of caffeine. Experts typically state that more than 200 or 300 mg of caffeine each day -- about the amount in two cups of coffee -- can cause palpitations, though some people are more susceptible than others. Though they may not always be a cause for concern, many people worry about the connection between caffeine and palpitations and will make an effort to cut back or eliminate the caffeine in their diets.
The connection between caffeine and palpitations occurs because caffeine impacts the nervous system, leading to an indirect impact on the heart. The nervous system essentially tells the heart to beat more rapidly because of the caffeine in the system, leading to this feeling of a rapid heartbeat or a fluttering in the chest. The symptom is even more likely if caffeine is consumed while a person is under a lot of stress. Palpitations can also indicate a heart problem, though, so it is important to check with a doctor and make sure they are not a cause for concern.
When palpitations are caused by caffeine, most people do not experience any other symptoms such as shortness of breath or dizziness. Both of these can indicate a much more severe heart problem. One good way to determine if the caffeine and palpitations are connected is to cut back on the daily caffeine intake and see what happens. This means cutting back not just on coffee or tea but on other common sources of caffeine such as sodas or chocolate, and certainly eliminating things like caffeine pills or energy drinks that include a tremendous amount of caffeine in a small does. It is generally not a good idea to cease caffeine consumption completely, which can actually worsen the symptoms, but instead to gradually cut back over the period of a few days or weeks.
If the palpitations slow or cease completely, this indicates that the caffeine and palpitations are linked. If not, they may be caused by another issue that might require treatment by a doctor. Medications may also be a cause of heart palpitations, especially when they are combined with caffeine or other stimulants. Sometimes a simple medication switch or dosage adjustment can help to relieve this problem.
