MyShockerHealth Newsletter: Issue 19

Coffee consumption and heart health

The American Heart Association suggested last month that as many as 5 cups per day of caffeinated coffee is safe for most people. Where was this information all my life?! But not all coffees are created equal and certain coffee types can affect blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart disease risks in individuals. 

Article highlights from Medical News Today: 

• According to the evidence cited in the statement, drinking up to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee per day — which amount to up to 400 milligrams (mg) per day — is generally safe for healthy adults, and may even bring certain cardiovascular benefits. Among commonly commercialized coffees, a “regular, brewed, non-specialty” caffeinated coffee contains between 9.4 and 20.6 mg per fluid ounce (oz), and a latte between 9.3 and 11.9 mg per fluid oz, the AHA statement notes.

• Not all coffees are made equal when it comes to their effect on heart health, and that coffee type and the extent of daily coffee consumption can all lead to very different outcomes when it comes to blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart disease risk.

• According to the recent studies reviewed by the AHA, for people with normal blood pressure, drinking a lower amount of coffee — amounting to 1–3 cups per day — may result in a heightened risk of hypertension. At the same time, healthy individuals drinking more than 3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day appeared to have a lower risk of hypertension.

• Based on self-reported data from participants to recent studies, drinking 1–3 cups of caffeinated coffee per day did not appear to lead to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or other heart rhythm problems.

• Regular consumption of black, caffeinated coffee was linked with a lower type 2 diabetes risk

• “Large amounts of added sugar, flavored syrups, and dairy products can substantially increase caloric intake and counteract potential health benefits associated with coffee itself,” the AHA experts write.

• Black or minimally sweetened coffee, particularly when consumed in moderation, appears to offer benefits that extend well beyond its caffeine content. However, individual responses to coffee vary. Our genetics influence how quickly we metabolise caffeine, so while several cups may have little effect on one person, the same amount could raise blood pressure, trigger palpitations or disrupt sleep in someone who metabolises caffeine more slowly.

Faculty/Staff Corner:

Did you happen to read the August 2026 HealthQuest Newsletter for WSU faculty/staff? 

• There was a 2-minute desk exercise that I found helpful! If you notice headaches, eye strain, back and neck pain while sitting at your desk, these exercises can help. Taking a 5 minute break every 30 minutes also works if you get up and walk around! (Healthquest)
• There was also a reminder about sleep and Back-To-School routines that we can all use. I used to start back to school bed times a couple weeks before school starts. It wasn't popular, but neither is no sleep for an 8 year old. Healthquest is a great resource!