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A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association suggests moderate intake, particularly from coffee, is safe for most adults and may even offer cardiovascular benefits.
According to a report from Click On Detroit, Dr. Kelley Chen, an interventional cardiologist at Henry Ford Health Genesys Heart Center, said caffeine has "always gotten a bad rap" when it comes to heart health.
The AHA statement, published in the journal Circulation, concluded that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, roughly up to five 8-ounce cups of regular brewed coffee, is generally safe for most adults, though very high doses, including some energy drinks and shots, may raise the risk of high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.
Researchers also stressed that coffee is more than just caffeine, containing antioxidants and other compounds that may contribute to its health effects.
The strongest evidence applies to plain coffee, the statement noted, with added sugar or flavored syrups potentially undercutting any benefits.
On blood pressure, effects varied by amount: among people with optimal blood pressure, drinking one to three cups a day was linked to a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, while drinking more than three cups was associated with a lower risk.
For Type 2 diabetes, black caffeinated coffee, without cream, sweeteners or flavorings, was linked to a lower risk of developing the condition, though researchers cautioned the protective effect may come from compounds in coffee other than caffeine.
Brewing method also mattered for cholesterol. Cafestol, a compound that can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol, is present in unfiltered coffee such as espresso, French press, Turkish coffee and boiled coffee, but is largely removed through paper filtering and absent from instant coffee.
On heart rhythm, one to three cups a day was not linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, though caffeine was associated with a higher risk of premature ventricular contractions, extra heartbeats that are usually harmless.
The statement drew a distinction between coffee and other caffeinated drinks, warning that energy shots in particular may contain far more caffeine per ounce than standard coffee and carry a higher risk of high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.
Overall, the AHA said up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day from coffee is generally safe and may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke and heart failure in some people, particularly without added sugar.
People experiencing palpitations or sleep disruption, who are pregnant, or who have uncontrolled high blood pressure were advised to consult a clinician about what's appropriate for them.
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