Cardiologists Reassess Caffeine's Impact on Heart Health

WHO:

ClickOnDetroit - Dr. Kelley Chen, interventional cardiologist at Henry Ford Health Genesys Heart Center

TODAY.com - Dr. James Stone, cardiologist at the South Heart Clinic in Harlingen, Texas

TODAY.com - Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota

ClickOnDetroit - American Heart Association (AHA)

TODAY.com - American Beverage Association

WHAT:

ClickOnDetroit - The AHA states that moderate caffeine intake, especially from coffee, appears safe for most adults and may be linked to cardiovascular benefits.

ClickOnDetroit - The AHA defines a typical upper limit of caffeine as 400 milligrams per day for most healthy adults.

ClickOnDetroit - A typical 8.4-ounce energy drink contains 80 milligrams of caffeine.

TODAY.com - Energy drinks can potentially trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in patients with genetic heart disease.

ClickOnDetroit - Drinking 1 to 3 cups of caffeinated coffee a day was linked to a higher risk of developing high blood pressure among people with optimal blood pressure.

ClickOnDetroit - Drinking more than three cups per day was associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure.

ClickOnDetroit - Drinking black caffeinated coffee was linked to a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

WHERE:

TODAY.com - Harlingen, Texas (location of South Heart Clinic)

TODAY.com - Rochester, Minnesota (location of Mayo Clinic)

WHEN:

TODAY.com - The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents do not consume energy drinks.

WHY:

ClickOnDetroit - Caffeine can temporarily raise heart rate and blood pressure, which has led to caution in cardiology regarding coffee consumption.

TODAY.com - Dr. Stone warns that energy drinks contain multiple stimulants that can lead to potential heart rhythm issues.

HOW:

ClickOnDetroit - The AHA statement was published in the journal Circulation.

TODAY.com - Energy drinks typically contain caffeine, added sugars, and other additives that may derail a healthy diet.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 10:49 UTC)

The American Heart Association has stated that moderate caffeine intake, particularly from coffee, is generally safe for most adults and may even offer cardiovascular benefits, with a typical upper limit set at 400 milligrams per day. However, energy drinks, which often contain multiple stimulants, can pose serious risks, especially for individuals with genetic heart conditions, as they may trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. While drinking one to three cups of coffee daily has been linked to a higher risk of developing high blood pressure among those with optimal levels, consuming more than three cups may actually lower that risk, and black coffee has been associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes.