Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are a sensation of one’s heart racing or skipping a beat. Anxiety, stress, medications, and other underlying medical conditions can cause them. However, in many cases, the exact cause of heart palpitations is unknown.
Caffeine is a stimulant that increases the activity of the nervous system and the production of adrenaline, which in turn, causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. While this response is necessary for moments of danger or threat, it can lead to problems when it occurs unnecessarily or excessively. When this happens, it can cause heart palpitations.
Caffeine also narrows blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the brain, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, triggering heart palpitations. Caffeine also increases anxiety levels, which can further exacerbate the problem.
For people who experience heart palpitations after consuming caffeine, several things can be done to prevent them from happening again. First, it is ideal to reduce caffeine intake or switch to decaf coffee and tea. It is also crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
