After a Florida woman’s sudden death at 28 was linked to her heavy use of energy drinks and caffeine supplements, many people are asking: Can too much caffeine be dangerous for the heart, even in young, healthy individuals?

According to Alan Gass, MD, Section Chief of Heart Failure at WMCHealth, the answer is yes, especially when combined with intense exercise or underlying risk factors.

How Caffeine and Exercise Can Become a Dangerous Mix

“Caffeine increases both heart rate and blood pressure,” says Dr. Gass. “That extra stress can trigger an arrhythmia—an abnormal heartbeat—which in some cases may lead to sudden cardiac death.”

While many associate heart diseases with older adults, Dr. Gass emphasizes that young people aren’t immune. Hidden risk factors like undiagnosed heart conditions, diabetes, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure or a strong family history of early heart disease can increase vulnerability. They may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

So, how much caffeine is too much? That depends on the individual. “It’s hard to give a specific number,” Dr. Gass explains, “because it varies based on your baseline health, fitness level and other factors. But if you’re experiencing palpitations, chest pain or a racing heart, that’s your body’s way of telling you you’ve had too much.”

Some energy drinks contain up to 200 mg of caffeine per can, which is far more than a typical cup of coffee, and are often consumed on top of other caffeinated beverages. “People may not realize how fast it adds up,” he says. “You could easily reach 500 or 600 mg in a day, and that’s a lot for any heart, even a healthy one.”

Safe Habits for a Heart-Healthy Workout Routine

• Know your baseline: Before starting a new workout routine, Dr. Gass recommends checking your resting heart rate and blood pressure. “That simple self-assessment can help you understand your risks and guide safer choices.”
• Start slow, especially if you’re new to exercise: For those who are overweight or just beginning, he suggests a mix of low-intensity stretching, resistance training with bands or light weights and cardio—aiming for 45 minutes, three times per week, then gradually increasing.
• Skip the energy drinks: “A cup of coffee is probably fine, but energy drinks, especially before exercise, are best avoided.”
• Focus on variety: Incorporate different types of movement, and don’t overtrain one muscle group. Cardio, core work and balance exercise all support heart health.
• See a cardiologist: They can assess your risk, order any important testing, answer specific questions and help design an individually tailored exercise program.   

The bottom line: “Exercise is great for your heart. But know your starting point, take it slow and fuel your workouts with healthy habits, not stimulants,” recommends Dr. Gass. 

Your Heart Can’t Wait.  And Neither Should You

If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Common warning signs of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, pain radiating through your arm, or shortness of breath. For decades, WMCHealth emergency departments have been the go-to facilities for emergency care in the region.

If you’re experiencing non-emergency but worrisome symptoms, the WMCHealth Same-Day Cardiology Program offers weekday appointments with cardiologists within 24 hours. Call 914.909.6917.

The WMCHealth Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program offers you a proactive approach to beat the statistics and stay one step ahead of heart disease. Apply here or call 914.909.6922 to make an appointment.