Up to 5 cups of coffee per day may potentially lower heart disease risk, doctors say
WTOP • • health
Key Points:
- The American Heart Association (AHA) states that drinking up to five cups of coffee daily is safe for most adults and may be linked to a lower risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure.
- Recent clinical trials show that regular coffee consumption can reduce the risk of irregular heart rhythm recurrence by 39% and is associated with a 20% to 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- The health benefits apply primarily to paper-filtered or instant coffee, as unfiltered coffee types like French press or espresso contain cafestol, which raises LDL cholesterol and may harm heart health.
- Synthetic caffeine products such as energy drinks and caffeine pills are linked to cardiovascular harm, including sudden blood pressure spikes and irregular heart rhythms, and should be avoided or consumed with caution.
- Individual caffeine tolerance varies due to genetic differences, so people with heart conditions or risk factors should consult their healthcare provider to determine a safe caffeine intake.
