Cardiologist explains if it is safe to drink caffeinated beverage early in the morning, warns who should be cautious

Coffee’s health effects aren't one-size-fits-all. While caffeine can boost alertness, excessive consumption can cause palpitations.

For many, the morning routine seems to be incomplete without a hot cup of tea or coffee. Grogginess subsides and one feels more alert, ready to take on the day. But the downside is the caffeine content, and if at all it is safe to make the morning caffeine beverage the first thing you start your day with. Is there any possibility of adverse impact? Often, caffeine is associated with palpitations, worsening your anxiety. But the impact of caffeinated drinks on your wellbeing is much more nuanced, and does not exist in binary, so no blanket good or bad. It is much more nuanced and layered. Let's see what a specialist has to say regarding this early morning habit.

Dr Anshu Kabra, additional director - cardiology at Narayana Hospital, Jaipur, dispelled that for most healthy adults drinking tea or coffee in the morning is not harmful. But the keywords, here are ‘moderation,' and ‘individual tolerance.’

How does your body react to caffeine?

The cardiologist named the biological process behind the much coveted alertness after a cup of coffee, “Caffeine is a stimulant, and when you take it, it prevents the action of a chemical known as adenosine, which usually has the effect of promoting relaxation and drowsiness. As a result, alertness is temporarily increased, and there may be a short-term rise in both heart rate and blood pressure.” It makes sense why you feel more alert and focused after coffee.ALSO READ: Good news for coffee lovers: Study links caffeine to reduced dementia risk, reveals how much to drink

So, instead of searching for expected side effects after drinking caffeine, monitor how you react to it. The biggest clue lies there.

What if you drank it every day?

The frequency is equally significant, and for this, the cardiologist quoted a statement from American Heart Association regarding caffeine limits, "The most recent scientific statement from the American Heart Association states that up to about 400 mg of caffeine per day is usually safe for the majority of adults. Nevertheless, the amount of caffeine differs greatly among beverages and with serving sizes, which is why "one cup" doesn't always indicate the same quantity of caffeine."

Are there any benefits?

Palpitations after drinking coffee for some people may make it seem like it is unhealthy for heart, but again, when you drink in ‘moderation’ there are actual cardiovascular benefits. Dr Kabra reminded, on the basis of majority of the observational studies, one experiences a lowered risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure. But this also does not imply that coffee has medicinal properties. It should be complementary, instead of being a substitute.

Who should exercise caution?

Blood pressure patients need to exercise moderation and avoid excess coffee consumption.

That said, in health, nothing is one-size-fits-all, as individual physiology is different. One may feel more energised after a cup of coffee, other may be more jittery. Dr Kabra flagged signs like rapid beating of your heart, palpitations, anxiety, disrupted sleep, or a significant increase in blood pressure. These signs after drinking coffee may be your body's way to tell you to reduce your coffee consumption.

Among the vulnerable groups, the cardiologist advised people with uncontrolled high blood pressure and those with heart rhythm disorders to exercise caution.

How should you have your coffee?

Avoid cream and syrups in your coffee.

It is unfair to pin the entire health factor on coffee, as coffee inherently is not bad. Dr Kubera warned about how it is prepared, so make sure you avoid large quantities of added sugar, flavoured syrups and high-calorie creamers. “Unhealthy syrups, creamers and sugar turn a modest drink into a less heart-friendly habit.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.