A review of caffeine research found that up to 400 milligrams a day may be associated with cardiovascular benefits, although individual tolerance, brewing method and existing high blood pressure can affect the risks.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom.
Most adults can consume as much as 400 milligrams of caffeine per day without harming their cardiovascular health, according to a new American Heart Association review that places the equivalent limit at roughly five 8-ounce cups of coffee.
The association said July 20 that moderate coffee consumption without added sugar or milk appears to be safe for most adults and may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The findings do not mean that people should begin drinking more coffee for health reasons, however, and the organization cautioned that individual reactions to caffeine can differ considerably.
“The data suggests that up to about three to five cups may have benefit and almost certainly is not harmful, but that doesn’t mean that consuming three to five drinks is better than having one drink per day,” said Dr. Gregory Marcus, chairman of the volunteer group that prepared the guidance.
“So generally, the evidence suggests that people should listen to their bodies if consuming one cup of caffeinated coffee is enough and consuming two is uncomfortable. Individuals should not increase how much caffeine they’re consuming for health reasons.”
The association’s conclusions were based largely on observational studies examining the relationship between caffeine consumption and heart health. A growing number of randomized controlled trials have also explored caffeine’s effects on specific conditions, including one study that found no effect on glucose levels.
Taken together, the research suggests that moderate caffeine intake may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and certain other health problems.
The review also identified possible adverse effects.
Coffee consumption was associated with an increase in premature ventricular contractions, commonly described as extra heartbeats. Higher caffeine doses may also produce meaningful increases in blood pressure, particularly among people who already have hypertension.
The association warned that energy drinks may present greater risks because they can contain high levels of caffeine along with other ingredients that affect the heart and blood vessels.
Brewing methods may also influence coffee’s effect on cholesterol.
Unfiltered coffee contains cafestol, a naturally occurring lipid compound that can raise serum cholesterol levels. Paper filtering removes much of the substance.
“Brewing method influences lipids,” Dr. Abdulla Damluji, an interventional cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic who was not involved in preparing the statement, wrote on X.
“Advise patients concerned about low density lipoprotein cholesterol to prefer paper filtered or instant coffee over French press, Greek or Turkish, or boiled coffee, because cafestol in unfiltered coffee raises cholesterol.”
The findings suggest that the type of coffee a person drinks may matter almost as much as the amount. Coffee prepared with paper filters or through instant methods may be preferable for people concerned about elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Researchers involved in the guidance said additional studies are necessary because much of the existing evidence cannot establish direct cause and effect.
Future research should examine caffeine separately from sugar, milk and other ingredients frequently included in caffeinated beverages. Scientists should also determine whether introducing coffee to people who do not currently consume it produces measurable health benefits.
The association emphasized that moderate consumption should not be interpreted as a recommendation for nondrinkers to begin using caffeine.
Sensitivity varies according to genetics, medication use, sleep patterns, pregnancy, heart conditions and other personal factors. Some people may experience anxiety, insomnia, palpitations or gastrointestinal discomfort at doses well below 400 milligrams.
The American Heart Association previously advised children to avoid caffeine in 2025.
It has also warned that coffee may present greater risks for adults with severe hypertension. Earlier guidance indicated that drinking two or more cups daily could double the risk of cardiovascular death among people with severely elevated blood pressure.
Most of the authors of the new statement reported no potential conflicts of interest.
One author disclosed serving as an unpaid consultant for the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences and working with manufacturers including Keurig. Another reported consulting for Boston Scientific Corp., which manufactures pacemakers and other cardiac devices.
The overall guidance supports moderate coffee consumption for adults who tolerate caffeine well, while stressing that higher intake is not necessarily healthier.
For people who experience discomfort after a single cup, have uncontrolled hypertension or are concerned about cholesterol, the association’s findings support reducing intake, choosing filtered coffee or discussing caffeine use with a health care professional.
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