UCLA and Harvard trained cardiologist explains if you should give up Diet Coke, coffee: Know what is definitely not good

When it comes to consuming Diet Coke and coffee, here's what you need to know, according to Dr Hafiza Khan, a UCLA and Harvard-trained cardiologist.

Published on: Sep 13, 2025, 09:41:17 IST

By Sanya Panwar

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According to a 2012 study published by US-based National Center for Biotechnology Information, diet and regular soft drinks have been associated with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, and regular soft drinks with coronary heart disease. Also read | Just 1 diet soda a day could triple your risk of life-threatening diseases like stroke and dementia, new study warns

Doctor shared that the best beverage for heart health was water. But what about coffee? Find out. (Pixabay)

Dr Hafiza Khan, a UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) and Harvard-trained cardiologist, in an old Instagram post, discussed whether you should consider reevaluating your consumption of Diet Coke and coffee to promote a healthy heart.

'Caffeine in the form of coffee or tea is fine'

Sharing the 'truth' about ‘water, diet soda, coffee’, she said in an Instagram post on May 12, 2022: “We should drink water⁣. Also truth: up to 400 mg /day of caffeine in the form of coffee or tea is fine even if you have Afib.” AFib, or atrial fibrillation, is a common irregular heartbeat.

Dr Khan added that for some people, who are sensitive, 'coffee can cause an elevation of the natural heart rate' and also extra beats called PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) and PACs (premature atrial contractions).

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A post shared by Hafiza Khan,MD |Cardiologist (@heart.beat.doctor)

'Energy drinks are definitely not good'

According to her, “But for most people, coffee and tea are fine⁣. However, caffeine in the form of a soda – probably not the greatest idea⁣. But I love my Diet Coke and I drink 1 can a day. Energy drinks with high sugar and caffeine content are definitely not good.”

Are you looking for some healthy-friendly health tips? Click here for a breakdown of cardiologist-recommended morning habits that can help reduce your risk of heart disease: find out is it good to drink water before eating anything and why is deep breathing so powerful for the heart?

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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