The American Heart Association (AHA) has released a new scientific statement, “Caffeine and Cardiovascular Disease,” published today in the journal Circulation, providing updated guidance on caffeine consumption and heart health. The statement concludes that for most adults, consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine per day—equivalent to about 5 eight-ounce cups of caffeinated coffee—is generally safe and may be linked to a lower risk of several cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, heart disease, and stroke. However, higher doses, particularly those found in energy drinks and energy shots, can increase the risk of high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.
“Caffeine consumed in coffee is a key part of daily life for millions of people, and in our review of the most recent research, for most adults, intake of up to 400 mg of caffeine/day, the equivalent of up to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee per day without added sugars or fillers, is safe and does not increase cardiovascular risk,” said Gregory M. Marcus, M.D., M.A.S., FAHA, chair of the statement writing group and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. “However, high doses of caffeine, such as those found in energy drinks including energy shots, may have harmful effects on the heart and should be avoided.”
The statement emphasizes that the effects of caffeine can vary widely among individuals based on genetics, metabolism, age, and tolerance. Short-term effects may include temporary increases in blood pressure, heart rate, and alertness, while some people may experience heart palpitations or sleep disruption. Notably, the research suggests that drinking 1–3 cups of coffee per day may reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation but could increase premature ventricular contractions. Higher caffeine intake from energy drinks has been linked to arrhythmias, especially in younger, healthy adults.
Regarding other health impacts, the statement notes that black caffeinated coffee without additives is associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. However, adding sugar, cream, or flavored syrups may negate these benefits. Unfiltered coffee (such as espresso or French press) contains cafestol, which can raise LDL cholesterol, while paper-filtered or instant coffee does not. The statement also calls for more research on caffeine from sources like tea, soda, and energy drinks, as many studies have focused primarily on coffee.
Marcus stressed that there is no one-size-fits-all approach: “What may be a reasonable amount for one person could cause unwanted effects, such as heart palpitations, anxiety, or sleep disruption, in another. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds to caffeine and talk with your healthcare team about what is right for you.” The AHA’s 2026 Dietary Guidance did not include specific caffeine recommendations due to insufficient data, highlighting the need for further randomized controlled trials.
The full scientific statement is available online at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001234. More information about caffeine and heart health can be found on the AHA’s website at https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/caffeine-and-heart-disease.
