Heart racing after coffee is common and usually harmless. Caffeine is a stimulant, and in some people it makes the heart beat faster or harder for a few hours. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or dizziness are different: call 112. Below you can read why heart palpitations after coffee happen, how long they last, what to do and when to see a doctor.
Why coffee can make your heart race
Caffeine blocks adenosine, a substance that makes you feel tired, and stimulates the nervous system. As a result the heart can beat faster or more noticeably. The effect usually starts within about an hour and fades over several hours.
- Sensitivity: some people react to a small cup, others only to a large one.
- An empty stomach: caffeine can reach the bloodstream faster.
- A big or strong cup, or several cups in a short time.
- Little sleep, stress or restlessness, which make you notice your heartbeat more.
Coffee is not the only source. Energy drinks, cola and tea also contain caffeine, so heart racing after caffeine can come from the day's total, not one cup.
Suddenly heart racing after coffee: why today?
The same cup can feel different on different days. Common reasons are:
- a bigger or stronger cup than usual, or one drunk faster
- coffee on an empty stomach
- an energy drink or another caffeine source earlier in the day
- a short night, stress or a busy period
If the heart racing comes with inner restlessness, read our article coffee and anxiety: why coffee can cause anxiety and what to do. If it appears suddenly without a clear reason and keeps coming back, talk to a doctor.
How long does heart racing after coffee last?
It usually starts within about an hour of the cup and fades over several hours, as the body clears the caffeine. It depends on your sensitivity, the amount and other caffeine sources.
A short, mild episode that passes as the hours go by is common. Heart racing that lasts much longer, returns again and again or does not ease should be checked by a doctor.
What to do when your heart is racing after coffee
If it happens right now, these simple steps are usually enough:
- Sit or lie down and try to stay calm.
- Breathe slowly: in through the nose, out through the mouth.
- Drink some water.
- Skip any more caffeine for the rest of the day, including energy drinks and cola.
- Eat something small if you had your coffee on an empty stomach.
Watch how it develops. If it does not ease, or any warning sign below appears, do not wait.
Palpitations, high pulse or rhythm disorder: what is the difference?
People use many words for what they feel after coffee. They are not the same thing:
- Heart palpitations mean you notice your heartbeat: pounding, fluttering or racing.
- A high pulse is a pulse that is clearly faster than usual and can be measured.
- A rhythm disorder means an irregular heartbeat, for example skipped or extra beats.
Caffeine can make you notice your heartbeat more or speed up your pulse. Only a doctor can tell if a rhythm disorder is behind it, usually with an ECG.
How much caffeine is considered safe?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers up to 400 mg of caffeine a day safe for healthy adults, and up to 200 mg in a single dose. Cups differ in strength, and some people feel the effect at much lower amounts. If you are pregnant or have a heart condition, ask your doctor.
When to see a doctor
Call 112 straight away if heart racing comes together with:
- chest pain or pressure
- shortness of breath
- fainting or feeling faint
- dizziness
See a doctor if heart racing after coffee:
- lasts a long time
- comes often
- feels irregular, with skipped or uneven beats
- happens when you have a heart condition, are pregnant or take medication
This article is general information, not medical advice, and cannot say what is behind your symptoms. If unsure, ask a doctor.
If you want a gentler cup
You can make your coffee routine gentler in a few small ways:
- Choose a smaller cup, such as an espresso instead of a mug.
- Drink it slowly instead of in a few minutes.
- Have your coffee with or after food, not on an empty stomach.
- Space your cups out and keep caffeine for the morning and early afternoon.
Lower acidity is another option, but it affects the stomach, not the caffeine. Our mushroom coffees are organic arabica with low acidity and still contain caffeine.
From the Ra Hygge shop
Organic Peruvian arabica roasted in small batches in Sweden, and an organic herbal tea.
Reishi Mushroom Coffee BeansView product
Hygge Harmony Organic Herbal Tea with Reishi, 16 BagsView product
We ship to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the whole EU. Delivery to parcel lockers in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is free from 69.99 €.
FAQ
Is heart racing after coffee dangerous?
A short episode after a strong or large cup is usually harmless. It is not harmless with chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or dizziness (call 112), or if it lasts long, comes often or feels irregular (see a doctor).
How long does heart racing after coffee last?
It usually starts within about an hour and fades over several hours, depending on your sensitivity and the amount. If it lasts longer or keeps returning, see a doctor.
Do I have to give up coffee if my heart races after it?
Not necessarily. Many people simply have a smaller cup, drink more slowly and have it with food. If it keeps happening, or you have a heart condition, are pregnant or take medication, ask your doctor.