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Does your heart start racing or feel heavy after a cup of coffee? Many people experience this, especially avid coffee lovers. But is this just a normal reaction to caffeine, or could it be a warning sign about your heart health? Let’s delve into this common concern with insights from cardiologists at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity to help you understand your body’s signals.

How Does Caffeine Affect Your Heart?

Caffeine is a stimulant that temporarily increases your heart rate by triggering the release of adrenaline. For most healthy adults, this brief increase is normal and not harmful.

However, if you frequently experience palpitations, dizziness, or chest discomfort after drinking coffee, it might indicate sensitivity to caffeine or an underlying heart condition, such as arrhythmia or reduced blood flow to the heart.

“Moderate coffee consumption is generally safe, but if you feel discomfort or abnormal heart reactions regularly, it’s wise to consult a cardiologist.”
—Dr Lim Chiao Wen, consultant Cardiologist,  Sunway Medical Centre Velocity 

When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional heart racing after coffee is typically harmless, certain situations warrant further attention:

1. Prolonged Symptoms: Heart palpitations lasting more than 30 minutes or accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing.
2. Frequent Episodes: Palpitations occurring regularly, even without caffeine.
3. Additional Symptoms: Fainting, blurred vision, or extreme fatigue, which could indicate more serious heart issues.

If you experience any of these, seek medical advice promptly. At Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, we offer comprehensive heart health services, including ECGs, echocardiograms, Holter and stress tests, to identify potential concerns quickly.

Book a heart health check-up today and understand your heart better.

How to Protect Your Heart Health?

Maintaining good heart health involves both professional care and healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some tips to keep your heart in great shape:

• Limit Caffeine Intake: Stick to no more than three cups of coffee a day and avoid drinking it in the afternoon or evening.
• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Reduce high-salt and high-fat foods while increasing fibre-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or swimming, each week.
• Monitor Health Metrics: Regularly check your blood pressure and cholesterol, especially if you have a family history of heart conditions.

“Your heart is the engine of your body, and regular maintenance is vital. With a healthy lifestyle and routine check-ups, many heart issues can be prevented.”
—Dr Lim Chiao Wen, Consultant Cardiologist,  Sunway Medical Centre Velocity 

Listen to Your Body, Care for Your Heart

While a racing heart after coffee might simply be a normal reaction to caffeine, it could also be your body’s way of signaling deeper issues. Regular check-ups and a heart-healthy lifestyle are essential for preventing heart problems. At Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, our cardiologists are dedicated to providing advanced diagnostics and personalised treatment plans to help you maintain optimal heart health.

Schedule your appointment now to bring your heart back to a steady beat!