American Heart Association says up to five cups of coffee a day may reduce heart disease risk
A new American Heart Association statement finds that drinking up to five cups of coffee daily is safe for most adults and may be linked to lower rates of stroke, type-2 diabetes and heart failure, while warning against unfiltered coffee and high-caffeine energy drinks.
The American Heart Association released a scientific statement in the journal Circulation indicating that consuming up to five cups of coffee each day is generally safe for adults and may be associated with reduced risk of stroke, type-2 diabetes and heart failure. The review distinguishes natural coffee beans from synthetic caffeine and incorporates recent clinical trials, including data showing a 39% lower recurrence of irregular heart rhythm after procedures among daily coffee drinkers.
The report notes that the potential benefits apply only to paper-filtered or instant coffee. Unfiltered preparations such as French press, espresso or Turkish coffee contain cafestol, a compound that can raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Energy drinks, shots and caffeine pills, which deliver high concentrations of synthetic caffeine, remain linked to spikes in blood pressure and acute heart rhythm disturbances.
"Coffee is potentially linked to lower risks of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart failure, though its relationship with blood pressure is complex and data isn’t entirely consistent across the board," said Dr. Jennifer Miao, board-certified cardiologist and ABC News Medical Unit Fellow. "The AHA distinguishes between coffee and energy drinks, which can pose significant cardiovascular harm. In large amounts, energy drinks can trigger life-threatening heart rhythm issues and even cardiac arrest," Miao added.
Genetic differences in the liver enzyme CYP1A2 affect how quickly individuals metabolize caffeine, meaning some people can tolerate three to five cups while others may experience sleep disruption or blood-pressure increases with lower amounts. The AHA advises anyone with existing heart conditions to consult a healthcare provider about appropriate caffeine intake.
"Consume caffeine in moderation, not solely for potential health benefits," Miao advised.
The statement underscores that coffee’s heart-health associations do not extend to highly concentrated synthetic caffeine products, which continue to pose cardiovascular risks.