Coffee and Heart Palpitations: What You Need to Know
By Steady Matcha Editorial · Founder, Steady Matcha
Published June 21, 2026
Coffee can cause heart palpitations by stimulating the heart through caffeine's sympathomimetic effects (adrenaline release). Quitting coffee can also temporarily cause palpitations as a withdrawal symptom. Both effects are typically benign in healthy people, but persistent or severe palpitations warrant medical evaluation. This is general information, not medical advice.
Can coffee cause heart palpitations?
Yes. Caffeine stimulates the heart by triggering adrenaline (epinephrine) release, which increases heart rate and can cause palpitations (the sensation of a racing, fluttering, or pounding heart). This effect is more pronounced at higher doses and in people who are caffeine-sensitive.
A 2016 review in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that moderate coffee consumption (up to 3 to 4 cups per day) was not associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation in most people. However, individual sensitivity varies significantly. People with pre-existing heart conditions, anxiety disorders, or caffeine sensitivity may experience palpitations at lower doses. If you experience frequent or severe palpitations, consult a healthcare provider. This is general information, not medical advice.
Moderate coffee consumption (up to 3 to 4 cups per day) was not associated with increased atrial fibrillation risk in most people - Journal of the American Heart Association, 2016
Can quitting coffee cause heart palpitations?
Yes, temporarily. Heart palpitations are a recognized caffeine withdrawal symptom in some people. When caffeine is removed, the cardiovascular system adjusts to the absence of caffeine's stimulant effect. This adjustment can cause temporary palpitations, typically lasting 1 to 3 days.
Withdrawal palpitations are generally benign and self-limiting. They are more likely to occur with abrupt cessation (cold turkey) than with a gradual taper. If palpitations are severe, prolonged, or accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention. This is general information, not medical advice.
Does matcha cause heart palpitations?
Matcha is less likely to cause heart palpitations than coffee for two reasons. First, it contains roughly half the caffeine of a standard cup of coffee (approximately 70mg per 2g serving vs 95 to 200mg in drip coffee), producing a smaller adrenaline response. Second, matcha contains L-theanine, which modulates the cardiovascular stress response to caffeine.
A 2019 study in Nutrients found that L-theanine significantly reduced physiological stress responses, including heart rate, compared to caffeine alone. For people who experience palpitations from coffee, switching to matcha often resolves the issue. This is general information, not medical advice.
L-theanine significantly reduced physiological stress responses including heart rate - Nutrients, 2019
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References
- Coffee and cardiac arrhythmias: a literature review - Journal of the American Heart Association (2016)
- L-theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses - Nutrients (2019)
- Caffeine dependence syndrome: evidence from case histories and experimental evaluations - Psychopharmacology (2004)
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