Chronic consumption of high levels of caffeine a day can lead to an increase in high heart rate and blood pressure that persists after resting from a step test, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) according to a new study presented at ACC Asia 2024.

The study evaluated a randomized group of 92 normotensive and healthy participants (62% men, 60% >30 years old, 79.3% urbanites) between the ages of 18 and 45. Chronic caffeine consumption was defined as the intake of any caffeinated drinks five days per week for more than one year.

Results showed that 19.6% of participants reported consuming >400 mg of caffeine daily (the equivalent of four cups of coffee). The highest intake was among women, those working in business and management roles, and those living in urban areas.

Chronic caffeine consumption at 400 mg daily was shown to significantly impact the autonomic nervous system, raising heart rate and blood pressure over time. Furthermore, those who consumed >600 mg of caffeine daily had significantly elevated heart rates and blood pressure that remained after a three-minute step test and five-minute rest.

"Our study sought to determine the effects of chronic caffeine consumption on heart health, specifically the recovery of heart rate and blood pressure," said the study's lead author, Nency Kagathara, MBBS. "Due to its effect on the autonomic nervous system, regular caffeine consumption could put otherwise healthy individuals at risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular events."

This study is part of the research presented during ACC Asia 2024 hosted by the ACC and the Cardiological Society of India, from Aug. 16-18, in Delhi.