Drinking as many as five cups of coffee per day is considered safe for most adults, and regular consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of stroke, diabetes and heart failure, according to a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.
The report, released Monday in the journal Circulation, aims to clarify years of mixed messaging about caffeine, coffee and cardiovascular health.
“Coffee is potentially linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart failure, though its relationship with blood pressure is complex and data isn’t entirely consistent across the board,” said Dr. Jennifer Miao, a board-certified cardiologist and ABC News Medical Unit Fellow.
For many years, people with heart conditions were often told to steer clear of stimulants. This broader review signals a notable change in tone, separating the effects of coffee made from natural beans from those of synthetic caffeine.
Earlier recommendations were based largely on studies now considered lower quality. In its updated review, the AHA panel included newer clinical trial data suggesting that daily coffee consumption may lower the chance of an irregular heart rhythm returning by 39% among patients who have undergone a procedure to treat the condition.
Regular coffee drinking was also tied to a 20% to 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The AHA cautions, however, that how coffee is prepared can significantly affect its potential benefits. The favorable heart-related associations apply specifically to paper-filtered or instant coffee. Unfiltered varieties, such as French press, espresso and Turkish coffee, contain cafestol, a naturally occurring compound that can raise low-density lipoprotein, or LDL — the “bad” cholesterol that may contribute to clogged arteries over time.
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The statement also makes clear that these potential benefits should not be applied to highly concentrated synthetic caffeine products, including energy drinks, caffeine shots and pills. The AHA says high-caffeine energy drinks have been consistently associated with cardiovascular risks, including sharp increases in blood pressure and sudden episodes of irregular heart rhythms, even among otherwise healthy adults.
“The AHA distinguishes between coffee and energy drinks, which can pose significant cardiovascular harm,” said Miao. “In large amounts, energy drinks can trigger life-threatening heart rhythm issues and even cardiac arrest.”
Your ideal caffeine limit is heavily influenced by your genetics. Inherited variations in a liver enzyme gene called CYP1A2 dictate how fast your body metabolizes stimulants. While some people can easily clear 400 milligrams of caffeine, which is about three to five cups of coffee, others may experience sleep disruption and blood pressure spikes with far less caffeine.
Doctors still caution that anyone with an underlying heart problem or existing risks of developing heart disease or stroke should talk to their provider about what amount of coffee or caffeine may be safe for them to consume.
“Consume caffeine in moderation, not solely for potential health benefits,” Miao advised. Everyone’s sensitivity is different, so if you have any underlying conditions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.”
Yonathan Daniel, M.D., is an internal medicine resident physician at NYU Langone Health and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit
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